How to clean my dog's minor cut from the woods to prevent infection?

Question

Conan was running in the woods and came back with this gash. It’s not openly bleeding but I patted it with a towel and it came back a little bloody. How should I cleanse it? (He doesn’t seem to be in pain when I touch it, I’m just worried about infections). Pet's info: Dog | Irish Setter | Male | neutered | 1 year and 4 months old | 53 lbs

Jessica Keay, DVM · Accepted Answer

I am sorry to hear about your pup! Ideally we would use a chlorhexidine soap while being careful not to get it in the eye. You can purchase this at most drug stores under the trade name Hibiclens or the store may have a generic version. After cleaning you can apply a topical antibiotic ointment and monitor the area for increased bleeding, swelling, or yellow/green discharge which can be a sign of infection and veterinary care will be needed. If you discover the wound gets larger/appears to open up after cleaning then sutures (stitches) may be needed by the vet.

How to clean my dog's minor cut from the woods to prevent infection?

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