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Bandaging a dogs[/caption]Bandages are used for a variety of reasons. It would be a challenge to prevent the dog from moving thus the injured body part usually sustains another trauma. One of the functions of bandage application is immobilize injuries that needs to be restricted. Bandage keeps the wound from getting dirty and because of the pressure exerted on the wound, swelling is controlled as well. Before professional medical care is given to the injured pet, bandage is used to stabilize the fracture or to stop the bleeding. The effectiveness of bandage as a first aid method will be diminished if the bandage is incorrectly applied.
Correct bandage application has to be learned by every pet owner. The bandage can be applied easily but keeping the bandage on the dog will be challenging as these pets would incessantly worry the bandage until it is removed. For obvious reasons, adhesive bandages will not do for these furry friends. Dogs would not know the benefits they can gain from this first aid treatment thus the bandage will be removed. Dogs would always try to remove the bandages thus the owner has to make sure that the securely applied.
Bandage must not be applied on a dirty wound. This means that the wound has to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Cover the thoroughly dried wound with a double strip of gauze. This strip of gauze must be again covered with several layers of bandage and secured with adhesive tape. To prevent the bandage from slipping, the adhesive tape must be connected both to the bandage and to the dog's fur.
Another function of bandaging is to control bleeding. A sufficient amount of bandage applied to the bleeding also puts on pressure that controls bleeding. The first aid giver though must ensure that the bandage is not wrapped too tightly lest it cuts off the circulation. The bandage has to be checked regularly as risk of infection is high especially if the injured animal is not prevented from doing its usual activities. Swelling and bad odor emanating from the bandaged wound are signs of infection. Keeping the dog indoors while the injury is healing will lessen the risk of infection as the bandage will be kept clean and dry.
Learn more about bandaging and first aid for dogs at Sarah's Dogs.
