How to Treat a Dog's Leg Injury

The legs and paws are the most common places dogs get injuries. Leg injuries should be looked at by a veterinarian as soon as possible. There are treatments you can use before and after the vet visit that will help with the healing process. Continue reading to learn how to treat a dog's leg injury.

Things You'll Need

• Gauze Elastic bandage Wire clothes hanger Soap Water Antibiotic Tweezers

Instructions

Leg Wound Treatment

1. Examine the wound for any type of debris. Look for tiny shards of glass and small stones or pebbles. Carefully remove all debris with a pair of tweezers.

2. Wash the wound with warm water and a mild antibacterial soap. Be sure to wash all of the soap out of the wound, otherwise the wound is at risk of drying out. Pat the leg dry with a paper towel.

3. Apply an antibiotic cream to the wound and cover it with gauze. Wrap an elastic bandage around the leg to keep the gauze in place. Change the bandage two or three times per day.

Broken Leg Treatment

1. Do not try to realign or "snap" a broken leg back in place. Doing so could result in severed arteries and major muscle damage.

2. Make a splint from a wire clothes hanger and an elastic bandage. Cut two pieces of the hanger into equal lengths. Put one piece on each side of the leg and carefully wrap it up. This will keep the dog from bending his leg.

3. Rush the dog to the vet as soon as possible. In extreme cases, a broken leg can potentially be fatal, so it is important to get her to the vet immediately.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not attempt to put a splint on the leg if the bone is sticking out of the skin. Clean the wound thoroughly with a mild antibacterial soap. Place a soft towel underneath the injured leg and rush the dog to the vet.