- Bite injuries from dog/cat fights or other animals
- Damage caused by objects
- Infected wounds that have healed and formed abscesses
- Other injuries such as lacerations and eye wounds
Acute injuries:
Acute wounds are usually detected quickly, but on a long-haired dog or cat, they may take time to be detected. If the wound is deep enough to require stitches, it is important to seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
Bite wounds:
Bite wounds require special attention. If the bite wound is superficial and has not penetrated the skin, you can initially try home wound care. However, bite wounds can lead to infection, so it is always best to consult a veterinarian.
Boils:
Abscesses are often the result of infected wounds that have healed and then formed an abscess. If your dog or cat has an abscess, you should see a vet as this can affect their overall health.
Signs of other diseases:
Skin ulcers can sometimes be a sign of diseases elsewhere in the body, such as the immune system or other organs. Difficult-to-heal ulcers may be caused by a tumor in the skin.
When should you contact a veterinarian?
You should immediately consult a veterinarian if:
- Your dog or cat has a puncture wound
- The wound is deep, gaping, or large
- The wound is near the eyes.
- There are signs of infection, such as swelling and pus formation
- Your dog or cat shows loss of appetite or changed behavior
- Your animal has a fever
The vet can perform various measures depending on the extent of the injury and the degree of infection. Pain relief, anti-inflammatories and antibiotics may also be prescribed if necessary.
What can you do yourself while waiting for the vet?
Wash Clean:
Use saline solution to thoroughly clean the wound. You can flush the wound or use a compress or cotton ball soaked in saline. Dissolve dried blood and dirt in the fur with lukewarm water and wipe it away. Compresses are usually better than cotton because they don't stick to the wound.
Cut off the fur:
To make cleaning easier, trim the fur around the wound. Be careful when cutting close to the skin to avoid causing further damage.
Use funnel or collar:
Prevent your cat or dog from licking the wound by using a funnel or collar. This reduces the risk of complications and infections.
Bleeding wounds:
If the wound is bleeding, apply a pressure bandage to stop the bleeding and protect the wound. Seek immediate veterinary attention if the bleeding does not stop after a few minutes.
Check body temperature:
After an injury, it is a good idea to check your pet's body temperature to monitor for any signs of infection or other problems. Injuries in cats and dogs are common and can vary in severity. It is important to treat such injuries carefully to ensure that your pet's well-being and health are not negatively affected. If in doubt, please make an appointment with one of our veterinarians for advice and professional care. See the consultation section in our
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