Treating Dog Skin Wound Abscess Breakout: Step-by-Step

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When faced with a situation where your dog's skin has become脓ulent and has ruptured, pet owners should first remain calm and act swiftly and appropriately. With proper initial care, meticulous followup nursing, and necessary professional medical support, we can help your furry friend recover healthily as soon as possible.

What is a purulent wound?

Purulent wounds occur when various wounds or tissue injuries in dogs become infected with pathogens (bacteria), leading to a significant inflammatory response in the body's tissues. During this pathological process, a thick or thin mixture is formed, preventing the wound from healing normally. This is what we refer to as a purulent wound.

★ The secretion from purulent wounds is typically grayishwhite or yellow in color.

★ Dogs with purulent wounds usually exhibit symptoms such as redness, swelling, heat, pain, and exudate.

How to Treat a Dog's Purulent Wound?

Tools Needed:

Disinfected gauze pads, iodine, disinfected cotton balls, hydrogen peroxide, antiseptic ointment or powder, normal saline, and tweezers.

Step 1: Debridement and Nursing

Put on gloves, trim the hair around the affected area, and gently clean the dog's purulent rupture and surrounding skin with iodine. Use sterile cotton swabs or gauze to gently absorb pus and dirt.

If there is obvious necrotic tissue (such as black, yellow, or malodorous substances) in the wound, carefully remove it using sterile tweezers or scissors (which should be disinfected).

Step 2: Local Application of Medication

After cleaning and removing necrotic tissue, apply an appropriate amount of petspecific antibiotic ointment to the wound as advised by a veterinarian. This helps prevent further infection and promotes healing.

For more severe purulent wounds, it is necessary to use antibiotics for 57 days after debridement to control secondary infections. (It is recommended to choose intravenous or subcutaneous injection.)

Step 3: Bandaging the Wound

After applying the medication, gently secure the gauze with medical tape or bandages, but be careful not to make it too tight to avoid impeding blood circulation.

Step 4: Wearing an Elizabethan Collar

Additionally, we should fit the dog with an Elizabethan collar to prevent it from scratching or licking the wound with its paws, which could lead to further injury.

Other Important Notes:

1. Regular Dressing Changes: Change the dog's wound dressing and antibiotic ointment as recommended by the veterinarian. Generally, changing them daily or every other day is appropriate.

2. Monitor Recovery: Keep a close eye on the dog's wound for any changes, including whether redness and swelling subside, pus decreases, or new signs of infection appear. If the wound continues to worsen or other abnormal symptoms, such as fever, loss of appetite, or lethargy, seek medical attention immediately.

3. Maintain a Clean Environment: Keep the dog's living environment clean and disinfected regularly to reduce the opportunity for bacterial growth.

4. Provide Adequate Nutrition: Feed the dog a balanced diet, especially foods rich in protein and vitamins, which can help boost its immune system and promote healing.