Skin Abrasion Treatment

[Guest Valero]

Recently, my wife and I rescued a 4 year old ex-racer from a local rescue chapter; we are fitting into his lifestyle quite well.

 

One issue that seems to pop up with Valero on a semi-regular basis is minor skin abrasions on his lower legs; we've taken to bandaging these abrasions with medical kling gauze to cover the wound until it heals, and to prevent him from licking at it. On a quick search of the forums, it seems there's different lines of thought regarding this.

 

• Collodial Silver, to manage infection
  
• Coconut oil, as a moisturizer (and somewhat of an antibacterial/antimicrobial agent)
  
• "Bag Balm", for moisturizing
  

 

I hesitant to use any of these, as he seems to want to lick the wounds unless covered; a new abrasion is high on the inside of his leg, and I can't wrap it.

 

Thoughts? Opinions? Thanks in advance

 

Mike

[robinw]

Have you tried EMT gel? It works really well and i've never seen my dogs attempt to lick it off.

Edited February 16, 2011 by robinw

[Guest Valero]

Have you tried EMT gel? It works really well and i've never seen my dogs attempt to lick it off.

 

Haven't seen or heard of it, although I do like the name (firefighter/paramedic by trade, ha!) I'll look for it around town here, thanks for the suggestion!

[Sambuca]

Try to keep his nails short, especially his dew claws. The other thing I like are k9 voyager boots. They help prevent the injuries and if he does get an injury it will keep him from licking it. My link Otherwise, if it's a small wound as long as it looks clean I leave it alone.

[Guest d0ggiem0mma]

If it's just a minor abrasion and he's not messing with it I wouldn't put anything on it. Just keep it clean and dry! Sometimes they only want to lick because you've messed with it and put stuff on it.

 

Sometimes if my dogs won't stop licking, I'll put some neosporin + pain relief on it just in case it's a little ouchie. Once it stops itching/burning/whatever they'll usually leave it alone. If you can get away with leaving it uncovered that's best so it can breathe.

[racindog]

I like Bag Balm. Its thick enough it has a chance of remaining on long enough to do some good and it works well for me. Theres a reason it is what over a 100 years old and still in production- it works. Never known any critter to be harmed from licking it. Would NOT use the silver prep. Wouldn't want to get heavy metals in their system.

[RaineysMom]

the silver gel is amazing stuff. Just started using it and am super impressed with how much it helps!

[cleptogrey]

wash w/ saline solution if it's really deep and one application of a triple antibiotic ointment and air. occasionally i have dog sat for a totally neurotic pup who HAS to chew it, bandage and vet wrap and muzzle if necessary.