Responsible dog owners would know that it is very important to have the contact numbers of the vet in a prominent place. A dog owner would find it hard to keep the dog away from accidents and injuries because dogs are very active animals. A dog that comes home one day with an injury would not really be surprising to an owner. Fortunately, most of the injuries like abrasions, cuts and lacerations are not very serious. Because dogs have the inclination to raid trash cans and to fight with other dogs, these types of injuries are common. A dog’s fur offers some kind of protection but the fur would be no match to a broken glass, a jagged tin or a sharp metal. Dogs love tormenting cats and one that is chasing a cat may rush into a glassed off window.

A laceration is one of the injuries a dog can get. A laceration is the irregular or jagged tearing of the dog’s tissues. The severity of lacerations vary but these kind of injuries are usually deep because the object that has managed to cut the skin would also damage the tissues. Lacerations commonly tear the muscles and cut tendons and blood vessels. The damage that is caused to the tissues, tendons and blood vessels usually makes this type of injury life threatening.

To be able to know the extent of the damage, the injured dog must be examined. Dogs in pain may become aggressive thus the pet has to be approached with caution. The dog must be muzzled or restrained by another person. Unlike other injuries of the dog that are hidden by the fur, a laceration will be seen easily because of the bleeding.

Minor laceration can be treated at home especially if the dog owner is competent in administering first aid. Serious lacerations would need a vet’s attention as suturing may be necessary. For lacerations that bleed heavily, first aid measures that would control the bleeding must be applied as the dog can go into shock because of blood loss. Stem the bleeding by applying pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or towel.

Superficial lacerations can be treated at home using the contents of the first aid kit. Wash the wound with lukewarm water to remove debris from the laceration. This measure will minimize the risk of infection and also give the owner the chance to evaluate the damage to the dog’s tissues. Cover the wound with sterile bandage to prevent dirt from contaminating the wound.

Find out more about lacerations as well as first aid for dogs at Sarah’s Dogs.

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