How to keep a pet's large, exposed wound clean and covered safely?

Usually these wounds are best managed with a "wet to dry" bandage method. This is a process where a sterile, moist dressing (usually using sterile saline) is applied directly against the wound, and then dry bandage material is placed over it, and the dressing is then secured in place often with a tie over bandage. This type of bandage should be changed daily. Once a good bed of what we call "granulation tissue" has developed (as in the second picture), and the skin edges are close enough to close, then the skin edges can be brought together and closed. Depending on the individual and on the size of the wound, this can take anywhere from a couple of days, to a week or more. I hope that is helpful for you, if you have any specific questions about Jack's case, feel free to request a consultation. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

It would be very helpful if you could take some photographs of the affected area so that I can better answer your question. In general, large open wounds should be treated with some sort of daily cleaning (namely a dilute betadine or chlorhexidine solution, do not use hydrogen peroxide as it will delay the healing process), and then something such as raw, unpasteurized honey or white sugar. I would really need to see pictures of the wound to advise you on how best to dress it. Covering the open wound will be very important in keeping things clean and free of insect migration. In applying bandage material to a wound, you need to know how much is appropriate, and how much pressure is acceptable. However, if you feel Sissy is in a great deal of pain, there may not be any way for you to safely and effectively treat it at home with at least some pain management, anti-inflammatories, and antibiotics to get things moving in the right direction. If you are finding there are fleas on Sissy, you should treat with one of several different over the counter products if getting into a veterinarian is not possible. Hope this makes sense.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If at all possible I recommend a vet visit to see if this wound could be closed. Suturing it closed may allow much faster healing than leaving it open. Otherwise be sure to keep it clean and dry. You can use an antiseptic like betadine or chlorhexidine once to clean it. Be sure to dilute cleaner then rinse well. Use just today or if the wound gets extremely dirty. Using daily can actually slow healing. Keep the area clean and dry. I recommend Ares stay primarily indoors until it is closed as he could get a maggot infestation of flies lay eggs on the wound. Using hydrotherapy or gentle water from a hose is a good way to keep it clean. If there is swelling, discharge or pain, Ares needs to see a vet for medications. I hope he heals quickly.

The wounds loiok to be healing from the inside and I recommend applying medical grade manuka honey to all open wounds twice daily until they are smooth, pink and shiny and no longer moist/sticky. Fly repellent such as advantix and an elizabethan coller to prevent him from licking and irritating the wounds would also be recoommended

Hi there. Usually, unless there is active bleeding, I tend to leave wounds open and uncovered to heal. Bandages can trap moisture and cause the area to get infected, and can also cause tissue damage if they become too tight. If Maeby is licking excessively at her paw, you can use an e-collar (plastic cone) to keep her from getting to it until it's healed over. Neosporin is okay to use topically on the wound to help prevent infection. If it hasn't healed within the next 4-5 days, or if you see any redness or swelling developing around it, then I would recommend taking her to the vet for an exam as she may need oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory meds to treat it more effectively.

HI there! I'm sorry to hear about Marley's troubles. Of course the best thing to do would be to take Marley to his veterinarian to have the wound examined, to make sure it isn't too deep, and doesn't require sutures or anything else, like antibiotics. However, I understand that isn't an option at the moment A great product to use that's over the counter is Veterycin Plus wound spray or gel. Apply this twice per day, and make sure the wound stays covered where Marley cannot lick at it. If he can reach the wound, place a sock or a t shirt on him so that he can't lick all of the wound medication off once it's applied. If you notice a lot of redness, any swelling, discharge of any kind, a foul odor, or the wound is not starting to heal in 3-5 days, then Marley will need to see a veterinarian. I hope you find this answer helpful! Best of luck!

Ouch, poor Kora! That is quite a large wound on her leg. You are doing the right thing by changing the wrap a couple of times a day, and I would keep the wound protected and covered until the wound itself starts to close. You need to keep it clean and dry, and keep her from licking at it. I would also have her seen by a vet for it. There is a potential that a wound this big may not heal at all or could become infected, and it really needs to be evaluated by a vet. I would take her into the vet on Monday. I hope this helps!