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How to help a stray dog with a ripped wound at home without a vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boxer | Male

A stray dog arrived at my home and his scrotum is ripped open. It looks like he was beaten and left for dead. I would love to keep him but I don't have the money for a vet and I know if I call animal control they will just put him down. Is there anything I can do to help him. I've been feeding him and he seems very friendly but shy. I just want him to have a chance.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on November 22nd, 2018

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem.
Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths (twice or three times daily). Always handle this type of wound with gloves when you touch it and wash carefully your hands.
Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking.
Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. Please find the time to give us a feedback about the consultation as that will be used to improve our service.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on March 9th, 2019
I don't recommend applying any ointment. Although quite safe on superficial wounds, dogs lick and ingest most of the topical ointment you apply and therefore should be used only under direct veterinary supervision and if there are no other appropriate options. Many human ointments contain multiple other ingredients which are not necessarily safe to be swallowed. Gently clean the wounds 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. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on January 14th, 2019
Ouch, poor Neuer! I wouldn't use any of those, he will just lick it off and they contain ingredients that are not safe for dogs to ingest. I would gently clean his wounds 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. Best of luck, I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on January 22nd, 2017
I'm sorry Max was attacked! If the wound isn't deep or long, you can try it at home by apply pressure to stop any bleeding, and then gently cleaning it with warm water and an antiseptic soap. I wouldn't apply any topical ointments, as he will just lick them off. Keep an eye on the wound, and if you see any redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, or pus, then it is infected and he will have to see a vet for antibiotics.

If the wound is deep and/or long, then there is nothing you can do at home for Max, and he will have to see an ER vet or a vet on call ASAP. If paying for a vet is a problem, I can give you some resources that may help you afford a vet. You can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website.
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_pet.html?credit=web_id91754962
https://www.redrover.org
https://www.carecredit.com
http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets
http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant-afford-veterinary-bills/
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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