Pet First Aid: Bandage Basics

by Aimee Amodio | More from this Blogger

09 Sep 2006 12:11 PM

A bandage can help protect a wound from licking or chewing. A bandage is also a great protection from contamination! Bandages are also useful in controlling bleeding and absorbing seepage.

Your basic bandage has three parts: the absorbent pad, the gauze wrap, and the tape. You want your padding to be non-stick, otherwise it will be hard to remove later. Wrap gauze over the pad to keep it in place, then use tape to secure the gauze. You can tape over the fur a little, to help keep the bandage in place -- just don't tape too tightly.

Be sure you can slip a finger or two between the bandage and the skin so you don't cut off circulation to the injured limb. Swelling above or below the bandage is a good sign that the bandage is too tight!

Bandages must be changed every day or two. Keep your nose open -- a bad smell from the wound or bandage can be a sign of infection.

For an injury to a paw, leg, or tail, you can place the absorbent pad over the injury, then wrap the pad with gauze. Secure only the top and bottom of the bandage with tape, to allow the bandage (and injury) to breathe.

For an injury to the chest and flanks, you'll need a much larger bandage! An old t-shirt may be enough protection for the injury -- slip the animal's head and front legs through the neck and arm holes. Tape the shirt at the waist if necessary. You can make a body wrap with an old sheet or towel: stand the animal on the towel and mark his foot positions. Cut four holes for legs and slide the towel up. Secure it at his back with safety pins and you have a homemade body wrap!

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