Abrasion management

Time and time again, a dog owner has to deal with the injuries sustained by the pet. Dog are very energetic animals. As such, dogs are often injured. Dogs get wounded fighting with other dogs. Dogs trailing a prey would run at top speed and enter thorny thickets. Dogs run very fast and a screeching sound can be practically heard when they try to break the momentum. Because of this, it is not uncommon for dogs to get serious and not so serious injuries. Dogs would limp because of thorns embedded on the paws. Sharp tree branches can pierce the skin of the dog. Dogs sustain various injuries and the pet would be lucky if an accident only results to minor abrasion.

Abrasion results when the top layer of the skin is abraded. Because the skin is protected by fur, abrasion does not commonly occur in dogs . As mentioned, dogs are very active animals and a scratch or an abrasion results when the skin is rubbed against a hard or rough surface. The grinding of the skin against a gravel road or against rocky surfaces can injure the upper layer of the skin. Skin abrasion is one type of injuries a dog can sustain from being hit and dragged by a passing car. Tightly fitted collar that continuously rub against the dog’s neck can also cause abrasion. A dog that mutilates itself can also cause superficial damage to the outer layer of the skin. A bored dog will persistently gnaw its body. The same thing will happen if the dog is infested with parasite. The gnawing and licking will result to abrasion.

Abrasion is usually not a serious health concern. Abraded skin normally does not bleed heavily as the subcutaneous layer of the skin is normally not damaged. As the tissues under the skin are not damaged, the wound would not result to scarring. Minor abrasions still need to be treated because of the risk of infection. Moreover, even a superficial wound would be painful for the dog.

Minor abrasions can be treated at home. The fur around the wound must be clipped. Dog’s fur on the wound would delay the healing process. Use saline solution to clean the wound. A solution can be made by mixing 2 cups water with a teaspoon of salt. All dirt must be flushed away from the wound.

An antibiotic cream can be applied to the wound three times a day. Bandaging a small abrasions is not necessary. A non-stick dressing is necessary if the abrasion is on the dog’s foot. Abrasions on the dog’s foot must be kept clean with bandage and non-stick dressing to prevent infection.

Find out more about abrasions and first aid for dogs at Sarah’s Dogs.