Because of energetic and curious nature dogs are prone to accidents thus a dog owner has to have a first aid kit for the pet. A first aid kit enables a dog owner to administer emergency care to the injured pet. The pet’s first aid kit has to have medications, equipments and different sizes of bandages. Applying bandage is a basic skill that must be learned by a dog owner as these very active animals are prone to accidents that can result to fractures and to wounds.
Bandages are used for a variety of reasons. Injured dogs would be very hard to restrain thus it is common for the pet to sustain another trauma. One of the functions of bandage application is immobilize injuries that needs to be restricted. Bandage keeps the wound from getting dirty and because of the pressure exerted on the wound, swelling is controlled as well. Bandages are used to temporarily stabilize fractures before the injured pet is taken to a veterinary facility for splinting, casting or for surgical repair. An injured pet can gain these first aid benefits only if the bandage is correctly applied.
Applying bandage is a first aid basic skill a dog owner has to learn. A pet owner can easily apply the bandage but keeping the bandage on can be a problem given the dog’s propensity to bite, to pull and chew. For obvious reasons, adhesive bandages will not do for these furry friends. Dogs would not know the benefits they can gain from this first aid treatment thus the bandage will be removed. Owners should be aware of this fact thus the bandage has to be well secured.
Bandage must not be applied on a dirty wound. It is necessary to thoroughly clean and disinfect the wound before the application of bandage. Dry the affected area and cover the wound with a double strip of gauze. Cover the gauze pad with several layers of bandage and secure the bandage with adhesive tape. To prevent the bandage from slipping, the adhesive tape must be connected both to the bandage and to the dog’s fur.
Bandage is as well used to control bleeding. To apply pressure, the bandage is wrapped several times around the injured body part while pressing on the wound. The first aid giver though must ensure that the bandage is not wrapped too tightly lest it cuts off the circulation. The bandage has to be regularly checked to arrest the development of infection. Bad odor and swelling of the wound are signs of infection. While the dog’s injury is healing, it would be a good idea to keep the pet indoors to prevent the bandage from getting wet and dirty.
Learn more about bandaging and first aid for dogs at Sarah’s Dogs.