My anxious dog has a puncture wound. What could it be and how to help?

Typically puncture wounds are not closed surgically. Splints are only put on legs and they would only splint a leg if it was broken. Yes, you can clip/shave that hair from around the wound. I would need to know the name of the product you are using - I cannot enlarge or read the ingredients. The best product to use on this type of wound is Vetericyn. https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-plus-wound-and-skin-care-for-dogs You will also need to keep her from licking that spot until it is healed so it is best to get her a cone to wear. https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/well-and-good-e-collar Start the antibiotics as soon as you can get them.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Bolt. You will need to stop him from scratching the wound. He can wear an E-collar if the wound is near his face. A tshirt may be useful if it is on his body. I would contact his veterinarian today as panting can be a sign of pain. He may require adjustments or additional pain medications. Do not give any over-the-counter pain medications as these can be toxic to dogs. I hope this information helps!

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. You should clean the wound twice daily with cotton buds and ideally 4% chlorxhexidine or iodine solution (available over the counter at pharmacies). If you are not able to get these antiseptic products, you should use just boiled, warm water. Also, please make sure that Ponyo is not licking or scratching the wound. Putting a head cone may be necessary. Dressing wounds in dogs is often cumbersome. If the puncture is on the chest or the abdomen you can put a small t-shirt on Ponyo to cover it up..

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. You should take Murphy to your local vets for an appointment as this wound should be clipped, cleaned, flushed and potentially stitched up under sedation. It would take a very long time to heal if the wound was treated with antibiotics only. The symptoms of infection usually develops in the first 24hrs and include fever, discharge, swelling and pain around the wound.

The area doesn't look too red or swollen. Infection would probably manifest as drainage, swelling, and/or more redness. Try working with her with some kind of treat she loves. Start by petting her and letting her relax, give treats occasionally as long as she remains calm. If she becomes tense, back off until she calms again. Don't start by trying to medicate her, the wound doesn't look like it needs much care to heal right now. As she is calm, try to get her into position to medicate the area, have the medicine nearby so she can see it, but don't use it if she becomes tense. Offer tiny bits of treat as long as she stays quiet. Only move forward as long as she remains calm. Keep these training sessions short, only five or ten minutes at most, and always end on a positive note, even if all she does is 'sit' to get her treat. This will help her looks forward to her training. Also, if she likes to go for walks, play fetch, go for runs, whatever physical activity she enjoys, do that with her. A tired dog is a happy dog and physical activity can do wonders for fear and anxiety in dogs.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It sounds like the bite wound has become infected. Bite wounds typically require the attention of a veterinarian. If the wound is deep enough, it may require stitches and prescription antibiotics if it is infected. Depending on your local animal control and rabies laws, your puppy may need a rabies vaccine now and then a booster in 6 months. I would be sure to have Puppy seen by a veterinarian right away so he can have this wound evaluated.

I am so sorry to hear that Felicia had this wound on her leg. I am sure it is very unsettling for you both. From the pictures you have provided it looks as though the wound may be deeper than appears, and thus may require a trip to the veterinarian. The wound appears to have been caused by a puncture, such as a bite, or perhaps if Felicia got caught In a Fence. These types of puncture wounds are often deeper and have caused more tissue damage then can be visualised from the surface. I bet would start by examining Felicia, and the wound itself. The wound would be cleaned and disenfected, the vet may need to sedate Felicia to debris even the wound, if necrotic or unhealthy tissue is present. The vet may chose to surgically close the wound with sutures or leave it open to drain and heal wiith scar tissue. The vet may also prescribe pain relief, anti-inflammatory medictaions and antibiotics to treat a possible infection, or prevent one. I would advise the seeing the vet within the next 24 hours. In the meantime you can continue keep Felicia as calm and rested as possible, and do not use any over the counter medications without the direct advice from your vet. I hope that this answer was helpful, and more importantly that Felicia feels better soon. Warmest regards to you both.