My dog has a cut. How to heal, prevent infection, and allow swimming?

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.

Without seeing the wound I could not recommend using wet to dry. As I'm sure you are aware wet to dry causes a lot if wound debridement which could actually upset the wound bed depending on its nature. If the wound was sutures I imagine it is quite deep, it would likely be best to return to the vet who operated as the wound may need a revisions surgery or a drain placed. There is also a chance it could become infected.

I am sorry to hear about your pup! Ideally we would use a chlorhexidine soap while being careful not to get it in the eye. You can purchase this at most drug stores under the trade name Hibiclens or the store may have a generic version. After cleaning you can apply a topical antibiotic ointment and monitor the area for increased bleeding, swelling, or yellow/green discharge which can be a sign of infection and veterinary care will be needed. If you discover the wound gets larger/appears to open up after cleaning then sutures (stitches) may be needed by the vet.

Since that is just a tiny cut I would just disinfect it and otherwise leave it alone and let it scab over. It should heal without complications. Monitor the progress and should it swell and discharge pus, you will need to take your dog to a vet for some prescription antibiotics. But at this stage this looks like it will heal nicely without any treatment. Do not put hydrogen peroxide or neosporin on the scrapes, they will actually disturb the healing process.

Peroxide is not recommended since it may sting and could cause microscopic damage which may delay healing. You can use a diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine (Hibiclens) solution once or twice daily. Thoroughly dry the area afterwards and prevent pawing or rubbing. Ideally, Chuey should be seen by your vet for diagnosis and treatment. She may need antibiotics and pain medications.

Yes, it could be from the harness. I would gently clean Junior's wound with warm water and antiseptic soap. To keep him from licking at it, you can put an Ecollar on him. You can get one at a pet store or make one at home. Keep the wound clean and dry, and monitor it for signs of infection. If you see redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, or pus, then it is infected and he will need to see the vet for antibiotics to treat it. I hope this helps!

Poor pup! If the wound isn't healing, it's likely that it is infected and will need prescription antibiotics to treat it effective. Because of this, I would recommend taking your dog to the vet tomorrow morning for an exam - he/she can take a look at the wound and determine what is needed to treat it. In the meantime, if you're able to gently clip the hair and matted discharge from over the wound, this should be fine to do. You can also gently clean the area with some warm water and antibacterial soap. I would not recommend using peroxide, as this may sting and often causes additional tissue damage and irritation which can make healing more difficult.