What should I do if my dog's skin is ulcerated and suppurative

When we see the smooth and healthy skin of a dog rotting and suppurating, the shocking wound, like a deep scar, not only marks the dog's body, but also hurts our hearts. Dogs cannot speak, cannot express pain, and can only convey their physical discomfort through occasional sobs and uneasy expressions. At this moment, we are filled with anxiety and eager to know how to help our dog get out of this painful situation. This is our instinctive response to our deep love for dogs.

Dogs often have complex reasons behind their skin ulceration and suppuration. Bacterial infection is one of the common factors. When dogs engage in outdoor activities, their skin may come into contact with various bacteria. Once there is a small damage to the skin, bacteria may take the opportunity to invade. For example, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, etc., they multiply in large quantities in suitable environments, causing inflammation and leading to symptoms such as redness, ulceration, and suppuration of the skin. Fungi are also the "culprits" that cause skin problems. Fungal infections such as Microsporum canis and Malassezia can cause depilation, erythema, scabbing, and ultimately lead to ulceration and suppuration of the dog's skin. Dogs' skin gradually loses its original healthy state and becomes fragile under the erosion of fungi.

Allergies can also lead to ulceration and suppuration of dog skin. Dogs may be allergic to certain ingredients in their food, such as beef and dairy products, as well as to pollen, dust mites, and cleaning agents in the environment. Allergic reactions can cause itching on dogs' skin, leading to constant scratching and skin damage, which in turn can cause ulceration and suppuration.

Trauma is also an undeniable cause. Dogs are lively and active, and during play or exploration, they may be scratched or stabbed by sharp objects such as tree branches, wire, etc. If the wound is not cleaned and treated in a timely manner, bacteria will grow at the wound site, causing infection and leading to skin ulceration and suppuration. Sometimes, we may not have noticed our dog's injury in a timely manner due to busyness, and when we see the wound worsening, our hearts are filled with self blame.

When a dog's skin is ulcerated and suppurative, the first thing to do is to remain calm. Despite our inner anxiety, our calmness can make the dog feel secure and prevent them from becoming more nervous due to our panic. Quickly transfer the dog to a quiet and clean place to avoid further contamination of the wound. Careful observation of the condition of the wound, including the extent of ulceration, degree of suppuration, and presence of odor, is crucial for subsequent treatment.

Urgent treatment of wounds is the top priority. Gently rinse the wound with saline solution, which is like a gentle cleaner that can flush away pus, dirt, and blood from the surface of the wound. When rinsing, start from the edge of the wound and rinse towards the center to ensure that every corner is cleaned. Avoid using irritating disinfectants such as alcohol and iodine, as they can burn wound tissue, exacerbate pain in dogs, and may also affect wound healing. If there is hair on the wound, it needs to be carefully cut off to prevent the hair from getting contaminated with pus, hindering wound healing, and also facilitating subsequent cleaning and treatment.

After cleaning the wound, gently press the wound with clean gauze or cotton ball to absorb excess water, but do not wipe it forcefully to avoid damaging the wound. Then, based on the condition of the wound, decide whether to bandage it. If the wound is small and located in a non friction area, it is not necessary to bandage it, and the wound can be naturally exposed to the air, which is beneficial for healing. However, it is important to keep the surrounding environment clean and avoid dogs licking the wound. Dogs' tongues contain various bacteria, and licking wounds may cause infections. If the wound is large or located in an area that is prone to friction, such as a leg joint, it needs to be bandaged. Choose a breathable bandage or gauze and gently wrap the wound to protect it from external contamination and further damage. When bandaging, it is important to ensure that the bandage is securely fastened without restricting the dog's normal movement.

After completing the initial treatment, be sure to take the dog to the veterinarian in a timely manner. Veterinarians will conduct a comprehensive examination, which may include sampling the pus from the wound, conducting bacterial culture and susceptibility testing to determine the type of bacteria causing the infection, and selecting the most effective antibiotics for treatment. For fungal infections, veterinarians will prescribe antifungal drugs. If the wound is deep or large, debridement surgery may be necessary to remove necrotic tissue and promote wound healing. During the treatment process, we must strictly follow the veterinarian's instructions, take medication and apply ointment to the dog on time, and take the dog for regular check ups.

It is crucial to provide careful care and concern to dogs during their wound recovery period. Provide a quiet and comfortable resting environment for dogs, avoiding excessive activity to prevent it from affecting wound healing. You can lay a soft cushion in the dog's nest to allow them to rest comfortably. Adjust your dog's diet to include foods rich in protein, vitamins, and other nutrients such as chicken, fish, fresh vegetables, and fruits. These nutrients can help with wound healing and enhance your dog's resistance. Meanwhile, it is important to closely monitor the dog's mental state, appetite, and wound recovery. If a dog experiences abnormal symptoms such as high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or if the wound condition does not improve or even worsens, it is important to contact a veterinarian in a timely manner.

Dogs are our closest companions in life, providing us with endless joy and companionship. When they suffer from the pain of skin ulceration and suppuration, we must become their strongest support. Through scientific and timely processing, as well as careful care and love, help dogs recover their health as soon as possible.