What can I clean a dogs wound out with?

Providing basic first aid for your dog can include cleaning up minor wounds. In cases of small scrapes and cuts, you can eliminate the stress of going to the vet for your dog with some simple steps.

Table of Contents Show

Assess the Situation
WHEN SHOULD YOU BRING YOUR DOG TO THE VET
Cleaning & Disinfecting Minor Wounds
#1 SECURE THE ANIMAL CALMLY
#2 STOP ANY BLEEDING
#3 SNIP THE SURROUNDING HAIR FOR EASY ACCESS
#4 FLUSH ANY DEBRIS
#5 CLEAN WITH A MODERN DAY WOUND & SKIN CLEANSER (STAY AWAY FROM THE OLD AND DATED SOLUTIONS STILL LINGERING AROUND IN THE MEDICINE CABINET)
WHAT NOT TO PUT ON A DOG WOUND
WHAT TO PUT ON A DOG WOUND
#6 APPLY AN ANTIBIOTIC OINTMENT OR HYDROGEL
#7 COVER WITH A BANDAGE
Maintaining A Clean Wound
DAILY CARE AND TREATMENT
Showing Up For Your Furry Friend

While dog owners may be concerned about cost, Hatton cautions that, "An exam fee is far less than the surgical debridement of a wound that was left 'to heal on its own' and becomes infected." She also urges owners to bring their dog to a vet if the wound involves a broken toenail. "They are quite painful and because dogs are in contact with the ground all the time, it increases the risk for infection."

Before you begin cleaning a wound, you should gather all the supplies that you'll need in one place. For your homemade first aid kit you will need:

Scissors, razor, or dog clippers to trim fur away from the wounded area
Warm water, which can be a sink or tub filled with water if you do the cleaning in a bathroom. Otherwise you can use a bucket or deep bowl.
Towels such as regular cloth towels or paper towels
An antiseptic cleaning solution such as chlorhexidine spray, pre-moistened wipes, or Vetericyn Wound & Skin Care Treatment. Hatton suggests, "Saline is by far the best and most universal for wound lavage and is safe. You can use chlorhexidine solution or iodine solution diluted at a 1:40 ratio."
A water-based lubricant like KY jelly
An antimicrobial ointment such as Triple Antibiotic Ointment. If your dog has an allergic skin condition, you may want to use miconazole ointment instead although this requires a prescription.
Protective disposable gloves
Bandages like rolled veterinary wrap or sterilized gauze squares
A muzzle if you're concerned your dog may become anxious and fearful. If you don't have one and you're worried about being bitten, you can make a temporary one with a leash.

Some items traditionally used in a first aid kit are actually ones you should avoid according to Hatton.

Veterinary staff instruct dog owners not to use hydrogen peroxide because, "It's traumatic to healthy tissue."
Vaseline should also be avoided anywhere near the wound.
She also advises against using chlorhexidine if the dog's wound is, "around the eyes or mucus membranes," in which case, "saline is the safest bet." A saline solution for cleaning can be made with one cup of boiling water mixed with a ½ teaspoon of salt, or you can purchase it pre-made from a pharmacy.
She prefers dog owners not use tap water but, "if it is the only solution you have, it is ok for small superficial lacerations and wounds but shouldn't be used for deep wounds or punctures."
Neosporin can be used on dogs but, "it's not always the first choice. Dog, of course, lick and we don't want them licking a wound and licking off the antibiotic ointment." She also cautions Neosporin should never be used around or in the dog's eyes. It also should not be used in the ears or in large wounds and punctures. Never use the version that contains painkillers as these can be toxic to your dog.

Keep in mind if your dog is wounded he may become nervous so you want to work slowly and calmly to keep him relaxed. It's best to find a small room to do this in such as a bathroom, or laundry room. Having a second person to help you hold onto your dog as well as distract him with treats can make the process go much smoother.

Wash your hands thoroughly and put on your gloves.
For a small dog, see if you can place him on top of a table or countertop for easier access. With a larger dog you will most likely have to kneel down and do the wound care with him on the floor.
Use some of the water-based lubricant to smooth the fur near the wound. You may need to get some on the wounded area in order to remove fur.
Use your scissors, razor or electric clippers to shave the area. Clippers are the preferred method as you're less likely to further cut the wound but you can use scissors or a razor if you go slowly and cautiously.
Take your towel to remove as much excess lubricant and fur as you can. You can wipe on the areas around the wound but use a gentle daubing motion when touching the wound as this will be quite sore for the dog.
Use either the warm water or a cleaning solution like saline or the chlorhexidine and water mix (preferred method) to wash any dirt, fur, and other debris that might be in the wound. Depending on the size of the dog, you can try pouring the solution on the wound, or using a turkey baster or syringe to flush the wounded area.
Once the wound appears clean, gently daub the area where the wound is with a dry towel and wipe the surrounding areas.
Put a small amount of antiseptic solution on the area, which will help to continue keeping the area free of bacteria.
Take the antimicrobial ointment and put a very thin layer onto the wound. This will help keep the wound free of bacteria and help it to heal faster.
You may want to bandage the area to keep it protected although depending on where the wound is, it may be difficult for the bandage to stay put. If you're concerned about your dog licking the wounds, you can use an Elizabethan collar to prevent him from doing so.
Check the wound twice a day to make sure it's still clean and to use more antiseptic spray, wipes, or cream. If the wound looks worse when you check it and you see any signs of infection, contact your veterinarian right away.

Using a saline solution is one acceptable cleaning method that is completely natural. Another option is Calendula officinalis, which has antimicrobial properties and can be used for minor dog wounds in either the gel, oil, or ointment formulas. You can also make a solution for cleaning minor wounds with calendula and symphytum, also known as comfrey.

To make the solution:

Use the dried flower form of calendula and dried leaves of symphytum and combine in a glass jar, such as a mason jar.
Add some olive oil and close the jar tightly.
Put the jar in a dark, cool area of the house and leave it alone for at least six weeks.
Take the solution and strain it. The remaining solution can be applied to small wounds that do not require a vet visit.

Once your dog's wound has been cleaned, it's important to keep an eye on it daily to look for signs of concern, such as infection or further tearing of the skin. Look as well for other symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and bloody stools as any of these can indicate a deeper infection. Always err on the side of caution and if you feel any concern at all about your dog's condition, contact your veterinary clinic right away.

Your relationship with your dog might be one of the most important in your life, and for good reason. Pets provide comfort, support, and never-ending love. They can also get into all kinds of mischief when left to their own devices, which leaves you to clean up the mess.

Thankfully, not every accident requires a trip to the veterinarian’s office.

If it’s a minor nick that doesn’t require professional medical attention, you can equip yourself with the knowledge and resources to help your furry friend from home. Here’s how to clean a dog’s wound at home, including the necessary materials.

Assess the Situation

The most significant factor in the health and cleanliness of your dog’s wound is how quickly you can properly clean and treat it. Any length of time spent romping around in the backyard with an open wound dramatically increases the chance of wound infection.

IMPORTANT: If you’re unsure how to proceed, you should always err on the side of caution and book an appointment with your regular veterinarian or take them to an emergency clinic if necessary.

You might have to wait a few hours or even days for your scheduled appointment. In the meantime, ensure your dog is walking only on hard, clean surfaces—no carpet where debris and other unknown particles can hide, and certainly no dirt, gravel, or grass—and limit weight-bearing as much as possible.

WHEN SHOULD YOU BRING YOUR DOG TO THE VET

There are a few types of wounds and injuries that should always be treated by a veterinarian:

Animal bites – Oftentimes, the animal’s teeth will inject bacteria deep under your pet’s skin. You won’t necessarily be able to clean a bite wound, whether it be a dog bite or other animal bite, properly at home.
Punctures with an unknown source – Injuries with unknown sources should be treated as a worst-case scenario, just to be on the safe side. For example, the seemingly minor wound could have been sustained from a rusted nail.
Cuts more than an inch long or with jagged edges – These are signs of serious injuries and should not be treated at home.
Wounds sustained to the chest or abdomen – Seemingly minor injuries to the abdomen or chest are often much more serious. There could be internal bleeding or other damage beneath the surface level scrape or cut that can’t be seen. A veterinarian has the tools to assess this.

Should the wound be minor and unconcerning, you should be able to handle it on your own with this helpful guide.

Cleaning & Disinfecting Minor Wounds

To treat minor pet wounds like a cut or scrape is akin to treating a human. The primary goal of wound care is to remove any foreign objects that could lead to infection and sanitize the exposed area. The other main objective is to eliminate pain by using gentle, soothing products on your pet’s wound.

With this firmly in mind, here are 7 steps to properly clean a dog wound.

#1 SECURE THE ANIMAL CALMLY

For smaller dogs, clear off a table and layer it with towels or blankets for comfort. If your dog is too large (or your table is too small), make space on the floor where you can kneel comfortably around them.

Enlist an assistant to gently restrain the dog and keep them calm. It’s always best to find someone the dog recognizes and feels safe around. If this isn’t possible, you might have to be both assistant and pet-doctor.

Before you begin, you’ll need to apply a muzzle or makeshift substitute using a leash or strap. This isn’t fun, but you have to be prepared—any dog can be prone to biting when distressed or in pain, no matter how sweet and gentle they usually are. Please be careful when restraining your pet so as not to cause additional discomfort or injury.

#2 STOP ANY BLEEDING

It’ll be impossible to properly clean the wound if blood is still coming out of it.

Apply pressure to the area with either a small gauze pad or a household towel, depending on the size. Don’t overly concern yourself with sanitizing the cloth before using it, as the target area has not yet been cleaned.

Eventually, this pressure will cause the blood vessels to clot and slow to a halt.

Warning Sign: If the blood appears to be spurting out at short, consistent intervals, this could be considered a “pumper.” This means the blood will continue to shoot out with every heartbeat, no matter how much pressure you apply or for how long. If this appears to be the case, you should abandon your at-home attempt and seek immediate medical attention.

#3 SNIP THE SURROUNDING HAIR FOR EASY ACCESS

First, cover the dog wound area with Vetericyn Plus Wound Cleanser—steer clear of oil-based ointments like Vaseline or petroleum jelly. A suitable cleanser will make it easier to remove the detached hair that may otherwise stick to the open sore.

Next, use electric clippers to remove the hair from the wound and the surrounding area; scissors or household razors can be used as a last resort as long as you proceed with extreme caution to avoid further breaking the skin.

#4 FLUSH ANY DEBRIS

Even if you can’t see rocks or glass with the naked eye, there’s a good chance that microscopic particles of bacteria, dust, or other unknown materials have contaminated the wound.

If you do see any larger, visible objects, like twigs or gravel, you can pick them out with your hands or a clean pair of tweezers. Afterward, rinse the wounded area with Vetericyn wound-treatment solution (link). Unlike relying on running water, blasting it with liquid will serve to dislodge anything too small to be removed with the tweezers.

Next, pat it dry with a clean towel or sterile gauze. At this point, the towel must be unsoiled from previous use, as drying a freshly cleaned wound with a contaminated cloth will undo the effects of the last step.

#5 CLEAN WITH A MODERN DAY WOUND & SKIN CLEANSER (STAY AWAY FROM THE OLD AND DATED SOLUTIONS STILL LINGERING AROUND IN THE MEDICINE CABINET)

Choose carefully when selecting a wound cleanser as many treatment products can cause further irritation, damage previously healthy tissue, and may be toxic to dogs. To prevent your pup from licking the disinfectant off, they may require a surgical recovery cone.

WHAT NOT TO PUT ON A DOG WOUND

People often cite chlorhexidine as an effective antibacterial wound treatment. While it may be relatively innocuous if adequately diluted, this same product is also used widely as a disinfectant for surgical instruments and household surfaces.

Do you brush your teeth with the same chemical you use to scrub the floors? Then why would you clean your dog’s paw with the same compound doctor’s employ to sanitize their scalpels?

In fact, studies on the effects of chlorhexidine on healing wounds show that the compound can damage new tissue, causing permanent harm to the meninges and mucous membranes and delaying wound healing. There is also a chance that certain harmful microbes can grow in the solution, rendering its antibacterial properties obsolete.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of other chemicals to NOT put on a dog wound:

Hydrogen peroxide
Iodine
Rubbing alcohol
Benzalkonium chloride

WHAT TO PUT ON A DOG WOUND

Instead of using an irritating chemical, choose a non-toxic wound and skin care treatment to avoid making the wound worse during the cleaning process.

#6 APPLY AN ANTIBIOTIC OINTMENT OR HYDROGEL

As long as the wound remains open, it is at risk of becoming infected. A thin layer of an antimicrobial hydrogel will keep the wound clean as it heals and provide soothing relief for your canine companion.

It is entirely safe if licked or otherwise ingested, which will give you one less thing to worry about as you care for your dog.

#7 COVER WITH A BANDAGE

The same ointment or gel functions as an excellent wound dressing by donating moisture to the site. Apply a layer then cover the wound with a bandage to prevent contamination and discourage your dog from licking or biting at it.

A square bandage will work for most areas of the body. If the wound is on the paw or leg, secure the dressing with an elastic.

Warning Sign: Swelling in the dog’s paw or toe pads is an indication that the elastic is too tight and restricting blood flow. Check the toe pads regularly for signs of inflammation. Compare them against the uninjured foot to double-check you are not cutting off circulation. At the first indication of swelling or other irregularities, remove the elastic and rewrap it.

Maintaining A Clean Wound

After the initial cleaning procedure, it’s essential to check in regularly by examining your pet’s wound for any abnormalities or developments.

It can be helpful to take pictures each day to allow for easy comparison. If all is going according to plan, you should notice subtle improvements over time.

Warning Sign: If there are no changes after a week or the condition is worsening in any way, you should seek veterinary attention.

DAILY CARE AND TREATMENT

For the best daily care and wound management, repeat steps 5, 6, and 7, three times each day.

If you regularly apply a cleaning solution and a protective antimicrobial gel, the wound should begin to heal itself without the risk of infection.

When re-applying wound dressings or bandages, first soak them in the same antibacterial ointment you’ve been using on the injury itself. The underlying tissue will heal faster if it’s consistently moistened.

Once the wound is no longer open but still in the final stages of the healing process, you shouldn’t need to wrap it in a bandage. However, you should continue to apply both the cleanser and the cooling gel until your dog has recovered completely. Keep them from licking the treatment for at least ten minutes after its application—it won’t hurt them, but it also won’t do much good on their tongues when it was intended for their paws.

Showing Up For Your Furry Friend

Figuring out the best course of action in a moment of fear and confusion can be difficult, but it’s important to remain calm and resolved for your injured pup. It’s your job to support them when they’re feeling scared—unfortunately, they don’t have the means to tell you what they need.

By following this guide on how to clean a dog wound, you should be equipped to patch up your pooch in times of need. Here at Vetericyn that means using the best products available, and our Vetericyn Plus® Antimicrobial All Animal Wound and Skin Care is an essential part of every dog’s first aid kit.

Reviewed by Dan Richardson, Veterinarian

Dan Richardson has been a practicing veterinarian for over 10 years. He specializes in surgery and orthopedics. Dan is originally from rural western Nevada and attended the University of Idaho for undergraduate study and Oregon State University for Veterinary School. The Richardson Family enjoys camping and spending time on the water fishing, paddle boarding, or digging their feet in the sand somewhere warm.

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