Understanding Your Pet's Needs
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Understanding Your Pet's Needs

After my pet had a long, drawn-out battle with cancer, I realized that I needed to do a better job with understanding my pet's needs. I wanted to be there for them no matter what, so I started focusing on my other animals. They needed more love, attention, and medical care, so I focused on those things. I started taking them in for regular checkups and working on their physical appearance. I was able to spot a few other potentially catastrophic health conditions with my animals because of my actions. This blog is all about understanding your pet's needs.

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Understanding Your Pet's Needs

Helping Your Pet Dog Remain Comfortable And Heal When Their Leg's Skin Is Infected

Gisele Pereira

If your pet dog has a skin infection on their leg, help them remain comfortable and heal by utilizing the following tips. Providing proper care, as well as following the advice that was given to you by one of the veterinarians at an animal hospital will assist with the recovery process so that your pet will feel as good as they normally do before much longer.

Apply Cool Compresses

Allow your pet's skin to breathe, based upon the time-frame that the veterinarian provides you with. During this time, remove the dressing that is wrapped around the damaged part of your dog's leg. Gently apply a cool compress to the affected area. Afterwards, allow the injured area to remain uncovered for a short duration while your pet rests.

Follow the orders that your veterinarian provides you with by not directly touching the injured area with your bare hands, moving your pet's leg more than necessary, or leaving the infected part of their leg uncovered for a long duration. If you notice that the injured area is more swollen or redder than it was to begin with, or if any pus or unusual odor is present on or around the infected area, contact the veterinarian who usually treats your pet right away.

Change The Dressing Regularly And Apply Ointment

If the dressing on your dog's leg becomes covered with blood or bodily fluids, remove it and replace it with a fresh one. A dirty bandage or piece of gauze can cause an infection to become worse, resulting in a longer length of time for your pet's leg to heal. Once the bandage has been removed, carefully wipe the infected area with a clean, damp cloth.

Afterwards, apply ointment that was prescribed by the veterinarian with a cotton swab. Replace the dressing with a fresh bandage or piece of gauze, being careful not to wrap the injured area too tightly. If you have difficulty completing any of the steps, or if your pet seems to be in extreme pain while you are administering care to the injured area, consult with your dog's veterinarian immediately.

Prepare A Comfortable Bed And Eating Area Nearby 

Prepare a comfortable bed for your pet to lie down on with large pillows and soft blankets. Make sure that the bed is wide enough to support their entire body so that pressure won't be applied to their injured leg and cause them to be in extreme discomfort. Set up a food bowl and water dish nearby so that your pet will not need to walk far in order to satisfy their hunger or thirst. If your dog has difficulty walking, monitor them and watch for signs that indicate that they would like to get up.

Carefully pick up your pet and carry them over to the food and water dishes. Afterwards, assist with taking them outdoors or back to their bed so that they can rest in comfort. 

By caring for your pet on a daily basis and seeking guidance from their veterinarian, you will soon notice an improvement in your dog's condition and their leg will eventually heal completely. Contact an animal hospital for more information.


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