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How to calm my dog to clean her wound if she won't let me touch it?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | unspayed | 3 years and 3 months old | 50 lbs

Calypso has an infection on her shoulder a little below her prescapular lymph node. I started antibiotics but she will not let me clean the open wound. It desperately needs to be cleaned around the area but she won't let me touch it. It doesn't seem to be tender but she can't get to it herself due to the location. Is there any way I can calm her enough to clean it without taking her to the vet?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Emily, DVM

Answered By Emily, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 31st, 2017

Unfortunately it sounds like she need some sort of sedation in order for you to clean that wound properly. A veterinarian is needed to administer the sedation and clean the wound for you. There isn't anything safe that's over the counter for you to give your dog to sedate her at home.
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