Antiseptic for dogs needs to be in every dog owner's first-aid kit.
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What are the best antiseptic products for dogs in 2024?
It is critical to include antiseptics in your dog's first-aid kit. This will allow you to respond effectively if your pet is injured, regardless of the severity of the wound. Check out our buying guide to ensure you are properly equipped!
There are several antiseptic products for dogs, from antibacterial shampoos to antiseptic dog eye drops and sprays. They are used to disinfect a wound, keep bacteria at bay and promote proper healing. The antiseptic should be applied after cleaning the wound. Be careful; you should buy a special antiseptic for dogs; even if some are safe for animals and humans, you should avoid taking chances. Mercurochrome, for example, is a deadly poison for dogs.
To provide the best care for your pet's wound, change the dressing every day and add a few drops of antiseptic to the compress each time. Do you want to stock your dog's medicine cabinet? We created this comparison to help you choose the best eye drops, shampoos, and antiseptic sprays for your dog. Let us guide you!
Summary
How to disinfect a dog's wound?
To properly disinfect a dog's wound, start by immobilising your pet. They are probably frightened because they have just been injured, so they might be aggressive with you. You don't want to hurt them while disinfecting the wound.
You should then cut the hair around the wound with small scissors. Then use saline solution or soap to clean the wound. Avoid using scented hand soap because its pH is not suitable for dogs.
Rub the wound gently with a compress or a microfibre cloth to remove any dirt and grit. Only after the wound has been thoroughly cleaned should you apply a disinfectant. Avoid using alcohol, as it will hurt the dog and may result in a violent reaction.
After that, apply a clean compress to the wound and a few drops of antiseptic to it. Secure it with a bandage that should be changed once or twice a day, checking the wound's condition with each change. Add a few drops of antiseptic every time you reapply a compress.
Why should I buy an antiseptic for dogs?
It's essential to have a dog disinfectant in your first-aid kit because our favourite pets are never safe from getting hurt. Dogs enjoy exploring, running, and jumping which can lead to tearing their claws, scraping against the fence or getting bitten by other dogs. Even if the wounds are not deep or serious, it is important to disinfect them to prevent them from becoming breeding grounds for germs.
Buying a dog disinfectant allows you to react quickly in an emergency. It is good to know that you should not use two disinfectants at the same time, as their effects may be reduced or even cancelled out.
Furthermore, contrary to popular belief, a dog's saliva is not effective at disinfecting. A dog that licks its wound, on the other hand, make it worse. The dog's drool contains a lot of bacteria.
Are dog antiseptics safe?
Yes, dog antiseptics are safe when used properly. After the wound has been thoroughly cleaned, the disinfectant prevents bacteria from growing and promotes proper healing.
Choose an antiseptic that does not burn or sting when applied. The dog would not tolerate it and could bite you because of the pain.
If the wound is close to the animal's eyes, use an aqueous povidone-iodine solution. It should then be diluted 1 part product to 9 parts saline or water. Wounds far from the eyes can be disinfected with 0.5 per cent chlorhexidine.
If you follow all these tips when applying the antiseptic product to your dog's wound, you can be sure that the treatment will be highly effective.
Are dog antiseptics different from human antiseptics?
Some human antiseptics can also be used in dogs. These include hydrogen peroxide, Betadine and Biseptine. However, there are also antiseptics designed specifically for dogs.
Iodine-containing medications, such as Vetedine and Hexomedine, are the most effective. Aqueous chlorhexidine can also be used, or you can make your own natural antiseptic using such essential oils as tea tree and lavender.
It is important to remember that you should never use mercurochrome to treat a dog's wound. It is pure poison for them! If the animal licks itself, it could cause severe poisoning.
What is the difference between a disinfectant and an antiseptic for dogs?
Antiseptic products are applied to living tissue, such as mucous membranes or wounds to eliminate bacteria or micro-organisms. Disinfectants are used to clean inanimate surfaces such as carpets or floors. However, some antiseptics are also called "skin disinfectants". In this case, health professionals consider the skin as an inanimate surface.
In any case, both products are designed to eliminate viruses and bacteria that could contaminate the environment.
They both come in different types with varying radii of action.
