Wounds are common injuries in dogs and can take lots of different shapes and sizes.

There are many causes of wounds, such as a bite injury from another animal, burns, and cuts or lacerations from trauma.

 

 

What it’s for

Why do we clean wounds in dogs?

Wound cleaning is an extremely important step to help with wound healing. Some wounds will be closed with stitches to speed healing. Other wounds will be left open to heal due to their location, high levels of contamination, or not having enough skin to close.

The main goals of wound cleaning are to reduce contamination (including bacteria) and remove any foreign material or dead tissue.

Find out more about wounds here

 

How it’s done

How are wounds cleaned in dogs?

Most wounds, including cuts, lacerations, and bite wounds, are cleaned by:

• Adding a sterile lubricant to the wound to allow the hair to be clipped without further contamination.
• Shaving the hair allows better vision of the area
• An initial flushing of the wound
• Removing any foreign material or dead tissue
• Thorough flushing using sterile saline, chlorhexidine, or betadine solutions
• Stitching (suturing) the wound to close, if needed
• Applying any protective coverings or bandages (more common for open wounds)

Abscesses:

• Lancing (cut-open) and any pus drained
• Thorough cleaning and flushing
• A drain may be used to allow extra fluid to be removed and prevent the wound closing too soon

 

How to prepare your dog for wound cleaning

Keep the wound as clean and dry as possible, and prevent your dog from licking at it.

Apply pressure if the wound is bleeding.

Do not apply any bandages at home; incorrect pressure can worsen wounds.

If your dog needs sedation or a general anaesthetic (GA), they will likely need to be starved for 12 hours beforehand.

 

 

Why your dog needs sedation/GA for wound cleaning

Most wounds, especially those that need stitches or staples, will need sedation or GA for cleaning. This is important for several reasons:

• To relax your dog if they get stressed or anxious at the vet clinic.
• To keep your dog restrained. Allows for a more thorough cleaning and for any surgery (such as stitches) to be done.
• Wound cleaning, stitches, or any other type of surgery are painful. Medications used for sedation or anaesthesia provide additional pain relief properties.

 

Costs

How much does it cost for wound cleaning?

The cost of wound cleaning can greatly vary depending on how severe the wound is, the type of practice (such as hospital or first opinion), and the area you are in.

Small, superficial wounds

•  If no surgery or anaesthetic is required, then costs may be around £50-£200

Wounds that need sedation/ GA and surgery

• Sedation and GA costs include monitoring equipment, extra staff, and specific medication. This often starts at around £100 or more, depending on how long the procedure lasts.
• Surgery prices will depend on what procedure is needed. This might involve straightforward stitches or be more complicated, involving drains, skin grafts, or flaps.

Other costs to consider

• Bandaging: may need multiple appointments to change and refresh
• Pain relief and antibiotic medications
• Imaging (x-rays, ultrasound) to check for damage elsewhere in the body
• Swabbing of the wound for culture and sensitivity

 

Risks

Is wound cleaning safe for dogs?

Wound cleaning is generally a safe procedure for dogs.

Potential risks include bleeding, wound breakdown, and infection.

If your dog needs sedation or a general anaesthetic for wound cleaning, then there may be associated risks.

 

Recovery tips

How to help your dog after wound cleaning

Your vet will give you specific advice on how to care for your dog’s wound, depending on its location and severity.

• Keep the wound (and bandage) clean and dry at all times
• Check the wounds at least once a day for any signs of concern, such as discharge or swelling
• Prevent licking, biting, and scratching at the wound at all times. You can do this by using a buster collar, pet medical suit, or dog boot.
• It is usually advised to reduce exercise until the wound is healed
• Gentle cleaning with saline may be advised if there is any discharge
• Give medications such as antibiotics or pain relief at the correct doses and times. Always complete the course.
• Topical treatments such as manuka honey or antibacterial wound creams may be advised. Do not use these unless advised by a vet or vet nurse.

 

When to worry

When you should be worried about wounds in dogs

Seek help from a vet immediately if:

• Your dog has a large or deep wound
• Your dog has a wound that won’t stop bleeding
• Your dog’s wound is infected
• Your dog is in pain with their wound

 

Call us and speak to one of our Joii vets if:

• Your dog has a small cut or graze
• Your dog has been bitten by another animal, and you are not sure what to do.
• You need advice about keeping your dog mentally stimulated during rest periods.