We always want to keep our furry friends safe, but there are times when some things cannot be overseen nor prevented.
If your dog is hurt, do not worry – there are things you can do to give him first aid before running straight to the vet.
So, can you use a liquid bandage on a dog? As a general rule, yes, you can. However, a specific type of liquid bandage cannot be used on dogs, and some types of injuries where you cannot use any liquid bandage at all.
Why is it a Must to Have a First Aid Kit?
No matter how hard you try to protect your furry friend, accidents do happen, and some things are just inevitable.
It is essential to have a first aid kid near and ready so that when something unexpected happens, you can always come to the aid of your pet.
What You Should Know About Liquid Bandages
People have long used liquid bandages as an alternative form of treating wounds.
These wound sealing aids are popular among parents and hospitals, where having a quick solution to closing wounds is the best and ideal choice.
However, liquid bandages for pets, on the other hand, came about only just recently and are a relatively brand-new invention.
What is the difference between liquid bandages for humans and liquid bandages for dogs?
Liquid bandages, which are formulated especially for dogs, contain;
- less harsh chemicals,
- have less alcohol in them,
- have a reduced chance of skin irritation
- promote faster wound healing
These liquid bandages are also quicker acting compared to those which are designed for humans.
Can You Use a Liquid Bandage for Humans on your Dog?
The answer is it depends. There are some brands of liquid bandages for humans that dogs can use.
However, some brands contain a high amount of alcohol and irritants.
Which may cause irritation on your dog’s skin or make the wound worse instead of making it better.
There are products intended for dogs, so as much as you can, avoid using products designed for humans on your animals.
Another thing you have to consider is that liquid bandages, regardless of if made for humans or animals, should never be ingested by your pet.
These bandages contain alcohols and chemicals which may cause an adverse reaction to your pet’s health.
When Should I Use Liquid Bandages on My Pet?
There are instances when you should use these wound sealing aids on your pet, such as for specific types of injuries, including:
- Small cuts
- Clean cuts
- Dry cuts
You can use a liquid bandage to take care of an injury that keeps reopening due to constant body movements.
For instance, you can apply this to a small, clean, and dry cut on your furry friend’s ears, nose, nails, or on top of their paws.
These areas are more prone to infection due to the constant reopening of the wound.
So using liquid bandages can help ensure that these wounds would stay closed long enough for them to heal.
However, you should note that these liquid bandages must only be used if your dog only has minor cuts that do not require a trip to the Vet.
Liquid bandages are only used as a form of first aid, and if any irritation or other injuries exists, you must take that trip to the Vet and have your dog looked at.
When Should You NOT Use a Liquid Bandage?
As previously mentioned, certain types of wounds or injuries cannot be treated using a liquid bandage.
Here are some of them:
- Wounds with discharge (or those which have pus)
- Hot spots (this includes irritated skin)
- Wounds that are too deep or those that require immediate medical attention.
- Minor cuts and scrapes (if the cuts are too small, allow air to reach them and let them heal naturally; covering them up with a liquid bandage can only result in these minor cuts and scrapes healing longer than expected)
How to Choose the Right Liquid Bandage for Your Dog
There have been many options on the market lately.
But just because these things are made for pets does not automatically mean that you can grab anything and pour it over on your pet’s skin.
Here are a few steps to help you determine which liquid bandage is the perfect one for your pet:
- Choose a trusted brand.
- Look for reviews online before making any purchase.
- Check to see if it is approved and recommended by Veterinarians.
- Put a cone on your pet if you apply a liquid bandage on their wounds so that they would not lick it.
Key Takeaway
There are liquid bandages designed for dogs and humans, but of course, always opt for the one specifically designed for your furry friend.
These liquid bandages promote fast healing of wounds, but there are specific injuries where these cannot be applied on.
If you think your dog sustained a deep cut or one that looks swollen or infected, do not try to fix it on your own and take your dog to the Vet immediately.
Remember that it is your obligation as a pet owner to ensure that your dog’s safety and security are intact.
If the need arises, do not hesitate to have them checked out by an expert immediately.
Sometimes, thinking twice before doing this can cost your pet’s life.
So, make sure that you consider your pet’s welfare and well-being will always be in every decision you will be making.