Whether you have an “inside dog” or an “outside dog”, you may eventually have to have some canine first aid supplies on hand. This kit should include gauze pads, tape, hydrogen peroxide and a canine first aid spray.
Why Use a Canine First Aid Spray
Dogs that are active like to crawl into small places. Doing so, they will sometimes get scraped or poked by sharp edges on furniture or thorns and branches on plants. If not properly treated, those scrapes and pokes can become infected. Spraying the cut or scrape with a canine first aid spray will help keep it clean, which will allow it to heal much faster and decrease the chances of infection. Some sprays are simply antiseptic, while others will actually create a thin and breathable barrier between your dog’s wound and the outside world, protecting it from infection.
What Canine First Aid Sprays Do
As states, first aid sprays contain antiseptics. This means that they clean your dog’s wounds of germs prior to bandaging. There are also types of first aid sprays that are antiseptic and also form a layer that resembles a thin layer of skin over the wound. This keeps infections from being able to enter your dog’s body through the broken skin. They also help to keep your dog from doing more by crawling around under furniture or bushes. Most first aid sprays also have antifungal and antibacterial properties. They have chemicals that repel insects from open wounds. Most will also be an herbal formulation designed to ease the pain of wounds and aid in the speeding of healing.
Ingredients of Some Canine First Aid Sprays
Most herbal blends will contain Azadirechta indica for its antibacterial, fungicidal and antiviral properties. This plant is also good at ridding your dog of fleas, lice and other insects. Calendula officinalis is an astringent that fights infections. It also has antiviral, antibacterial and fungicidal characteristics. Calendula also helps the body regenerate damaged tissues and develop epithelial tissue. Aloe Vera is added for its healing properties. Usnea is an effective antimicrobial, antibacterial and antifungal. Eschcholtzia Californica is also used to help alleviate pain.
What To Do When Your Dog Gets a Cut or Scrape
As soon as you notice the wound on your dog, you should wash the wound area with warm water and soap and dry thoroughly and carefully. Apply an antiseptic to kill any bacteria or germs present and allow to air dry. Liberally apply a canine first aid spray. If the first aid spray you choose doesn’t form an active barrier against infection, you should try to cover the wound site with gauze and hold the gauze in place with tape. If your first aid spray doesn’t form a protective barrier, you should also look into an antibacterial ointment to provide the best protection against infection and further injury.
There are a variety of different canine first aid sprays on the market. You can buy these at your vet, local grocer or the local pet products specialty store.