Should you let a dog's wound air out or keep it bandaged?
Emelie Boyer
2025-07-30 09:23:19
Count answers
: 15
If your dog’s wound is bleeding, you should attempt to stop the bleeding by applying direct pressure to the wound with an absorbent dressing, such as dry gauze, followed by a layer of bandage material or a clean, dry cloth. Sometimes, the wound location or the amount of skin loss prevents surgical closure or bandaging. Puncture wounds or other trauma can force bacteria deep into the tissues, and a contaminated wound that is more than a few hours old should never be closed without surgical debridement. However, if there is gross contamination or deep infection present, the wound will be left open for topical treatment and to ensure drainage. Your veterinarian may need to anesthetize your dog to remove foreign material and dead tissue from the wound. If the wound cannot be surgically closed, your veterinarian may apply a protective bandage, if possible. Other options, depending on the location of the wound, include covering the wound with a bandage, a stockinette, a dog coat, or a t-shirt. If the wound is bandaged, daily bandage changes may be required.
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