Wound care for your pet
Sometimes, our pets play a bit too hard, or go somewhere that can cause serious damage to their body. In most cases, this is in the form of wounds - a common injury that includes sprains, strains, cuts, scapes, burns, bites, bruises, and more.
The above is by no means an exhaustive list. But you can be sure that the dedicated veterinary professionals at Thrive Pet Healthcare network clinics are here to help! No matter the cause, the important thing is getting them the help they need.
How will my pet be treated when they have a wound?
Treatment varies greatly depending on a variety of factors regarding your pet, including:
Age
Breed
Size / Weight
Activity level
Size and depth of wound
Cause of wound
Location of wound
Sometimes, it's easy to focus solely on the major wound and miss many other signs of injury. That's why our primary care veterinarians focus on a whole picture approach to your pet's wound and start off with a full physical exam. Based on your pet's needs, the following minor treatments can be applied:
Cleanings of the wound location
Pain medication
Antibiotics at the wound location
Topical creams or ointments
Stabilization of the wound (including stitches or a splint)
Protecting the wound (often collars to prevent irritation or soft bandages to cover)
Caring for a wound at home
If your dog or cat has an open wound that's been treated by a vet, the most important things you can do for your pet's after care is to keep the area clean! Be sure to follow your vet's instructions for cleaning the area, use the Elizabeth collar as instructed, and follow-up with your vet's time tables for rechecks.
