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My dog has open wounds on his back. Should I clean or bandage them?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Boxer | Male | unneutered | 50 lbs

My dog had a heat stroke about two weeks ago. As a result, he hav hair loss. I was instructed to do hydrotherapy daily. Two days ago, he began having these open wound spots on his back. I can not get him to the vet right away so I need to know how to treat at home in the meantime. How to clean? If I should keep open or bandage some how?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Joy Fuhrman, DVM, MBA, CPA

Veterinarian

Published on July 31st, 2017

These wounds look quite severe and possibly infected. Until you can get Hudson to the vet, you should keep the wounds clean and dry. Do not bandage them as this would keep moisture and infection in. However, o would recommend putting a t-shirt on Hudson to keep the wounds clean.

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Hudson!! I recommend stopping the hydrotherapy until the wounds are healed. They look relatively severe based on your pictures. The hair needs to be shaved away and the wounds should be cultured. Until you get to your Vet, which I recommend you do as soon as possible, apply a mupirocin or bactoderm ointment to the wounds. He likely needs to be on oral antibiotics. Good luck!

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