Wound Infections in Dogs

A wound infection in a dog occurs when the amount of bacteria in a wound grows larger than the animal's immune system is able to handle. If the infection isn't treated promptly, it can become fatal. The first step in treating a dog wound is to disinfect and clean out the wound so it won't become infected. However, dogs belonging to even the most skilled care givers can often get infections from wounds. Besides being well stocked with first aid items such as scissors, bandages, antibiotic ointments, gauze pads and other supplies, it's important owners know the signs of an infected wound so their pet can receive prompt professional treatment from a vet.

Symptoms of an Infected Dog Wound

Swelling at the site of the injury is a basic indication of infection. Spreading redness or discoloration surrounding the wound is also a common sign. On the other hand, if the wound was healing, the redness would be receding rather than spreading. Thick yellow or green discharge is a symptom of infection, in addition to a foul odor. Pain and tenderness in the dog are also common symptoms suggesting infection.

Preventing Infection in Minor Wounds

Minor wounds such as small cuts and scratches need to be cleansed with soap and warm water. After the wound has dried, antiseptic ointment should be applied, and the wound should be monitored for infection. A few signs suggesting infection include fever, swelling and increasing redness on the injury site. It's important to get a dog to the vet if there's any suspicion of infection so the animal can receive antibiotics to fight the infection.

Bite Wounds

Bite wounds are especially prone to infection. When a dog is bitten by another animal, the bite can send bacteria from the mouth into layers of tissue underneath the skin. This is the primary reason why any dog bite wound should be promptly cleansed and examined by a vet---injury can happen only a few hours following the bite, although sometimes it takes up to a week. Besides the basic signs of infection such as swelling, increasing redness and foul odor, a dog with a bite infection may lose his appetite, be lethargic or depressed and less physically active. Increased body temperature is another symptom.

Open Wounds

Dog injuries such as open wound can occur when a dog is out of sight for just a short few moments. An open wound is a breakage in a dog's skin or mucous membrane. Open wounds in dogs can be caused by a dog becoming entangled in bushes and branches, torn fencing or by a bite from another animal. When an open wound occurs, infections can quickly travel below the skin to form an abscess. Open wound infections in dogs can affect muscles, bones, spinal cord or blood, which can lead to a fatal condition known as sepsis.

Preventing Infections from Abrasions

Abrasions are skin wounds caused by a dog's skin being scraped or rubbed against a rough, hard surface. Because dogs are protected by their coats, they don't have as many abrasion injuries as humans. Usually canine abrasions occur because of a dog being hit by a car or being dragged or thrown on the ground. A dog injured from a car accident should be immediately treated by a vet in case there are internal injuries. Usually dogs treated from abrasions first have surrounding hair clipped from the injured area. Then the wound is cleansed using warm salt water or an antiseptic. Any loose foreign matter should be removed. If the abrasion is small, it usually isn't bandaged so it can be cleaned and watched. However, larger abrasions usually require dressings and bandaging.

Warning

Before treating a dog's wound, first muzzle the animal. Muzzles can be made from a belt, rope or even pantyhose. Drape the muzzle over the top of the dog's nose and then under his jaw. After criss-crossing the material, bring it behind the head and tie it.

It's also important not to touch any bite wounds without first wearing protective latex or rubber gloves because humans can easily contract rabies by touching a wound.

References

• Identifying Dog Wound Infections
• Dog Abscesses
• Dog Wounds on Dogs

Resources

• Dog Cuts and Bleeding Wounds