What should I check if my dog’s wound looks infected? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
If your dog’s wound looks infected, check for changes like redness, swelling, heat, discharge, smell, pain, or the wound getting worse instead of better. There can be several reasons a wound looks this way, and not every sore patch is truly infected, but it is sensible to keep a close eye on it and get vet advice if it’s not improving.
Things To Check
1. Check whether the wound is getting redder, more swollen, warmer, or more painful than before.
2. Look for discharge, especially yellow, green, thick, bloody, or smelly fluid.
3. See whether the wound edges are opening, looking soggy, or not forming healthy scab tissue.
4. Notice if your dog is licking, chewing, rubbing, or scratching the area more than usual.
5. Check whether your dog seems well in themselves, with normal appetite, energy, and behaviour.
6. Look for anything that could have irritated the wound, such as mud, dirt, grass seed, a collar, harness, or repeated friction.
7. If the wound is on a leg, paw, or near a joint, check whether movement seems uncomfortable or the area is being used less.
Common Causes
The most common reasons a wound looks infected are simple contamination from dirt, licking, or constant rubbing that slows healing. Sometimes the area is just inflamed as part of normal healing, which can look worrying even when infection is not present.
Other possibilities include a foreign body, such as a small splinter or grass seed, a deeper wound than it first appeared, or skin irritation around the wound from moisture or bandaging. Less commonly, a wound can become genuinely infected and need veterinary treatment.
What To Do
Keep the area as clean and dry as you reasonably can, and stop your dog from licking or chewing it if possible. If the wound is dirty, gently remove surface debris with clean saline or lukewarm water, but avoid harsh products unless your vet has told you to use them.
Check the wound at least once or twice a day and note whether it is improving, staying the same, or getting worse. Keep exercise sensible so the area is not repeatedly disturbed, and try to reduce mud, damp, and friction from collars, harnesses, or bedding where relevant.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet if the wound is getting worse, has a strong smell, is producing pus, seems painful, or is not starting to improve within a day or two. You should also call sooner if your dog seems unwell, the wound is deep, it keeps opening, or there is swelling spreading beyond the wound itself.
Products That May Help
For dogs with small wounds or skin concerns, a simple grooming and hygiene routine can help you keep the area clean and easy to check without making things more complicated.
Related Questions
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Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.