How To Care For A Small Dog With Injuries

Learning how to care for a small dog that has been injured is relatively easier than caring for a larger dog, primarily because its smaller size makes it easier to handle. However, there are still several things that you need to keep in mind in order to provide the proper care that the dog needs so that he can recover as quickly as possible. To make the entire experience easier for both you and your furry friend, here are some tips on how to care for a small dog with injuries.

Tips On How To Care For A Small Dog

The very first step on how to care for a small dog that has been injured is to first assess the injury. If it’s just a cut or a flesh wound, you might be able to administer first aid before taking it to the vet for further treatment. However, if the injury appears to be more serious, the best thing to do is to wrap the dog in a blanket in order to minimize movement and also to prevent it from biting. As soon as the dog is properly wrapped, take him to the veterinarian. Don’t wait too long as small dogs can easily go into shock because of their diminutive size. Therefore it is important to ask for help from your vet, rather than just guess. You can even ask a vet a question and receive some online veterinary advice.

In case of minor injuries, most dog owners should be perfectly capable of learning how to care for a small dog and administering treatment. Before attempting to touch the injured area, however, it is advisable to calm down your pet first. When a dog is injured and agitated, there is always the chance of biting even when he is normally very friendly. As soon as the animal is calm, gently clean the cut or wound and apply the appropriate antiseptic. If the wound is quite shallow, you can just leave it as it is, but more serious injuries will need a dressing. You shouldn’t be alarmed when your dog develops a slight fever shortly after the injury as this is fairly normal. You just have to make sure that he gets plenty of fluids to bring down his body temperature and to speed up the process of healing.

If your pet does not respond to your basic dog health care and treatments or seems to be growing listless and loses appetite, then you should take him to the vet immediately. Most likely, the vet will prescribe the necessary medication or pain relief that your dog needs in order to get better. Finally, a very important part of how to care for a small dog is to make sure your dog feels your love and support through his ordeal, as this will help him recover much faster.