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We feel fortunate to have received reflections from our clients, including patients, physicians, and coaches about how Spectra Therapy’s LASERwrap® has helped them.
Our dogs are family. And when they are injured or sick, they need our help to feel better. As parents, we are always concerned about infection, healing, and pain management in our children. But using prescribed or over-the-counter pain medications, even for a bleeding injury, are concerning for most parents. As dog-parents, the concerns remain the same for our pets.
A bleeding injury can be classified as a laceration, abrasion, or bite wound. The treatment for these injuries depends on the nature and severity of the wound inflicted. We all know what a bite wound is, but what about a laceration or abrasion? According to Merriam-Webster, a laceration is a torn and ragged wound. An abrasion is a scratch in the outermost layer of skin.
Lacerations are open wounds caused by biting, cutting, or puncturing the skin. Funny story: While a big Doberman was running away in terror from a fearsome little Chihuahua, he backed into a sharp edge. That poor dog! He suffered a deep puncture wound to his hip that bled like crazy requiring medical attention.
Abrasions are scrapes in the outer layer of skin. While they may not look as bad as lacerations, they are still painful and prone to infection. An abrasion can be caused by almost anything. For instance, a collar rubbing on the skin or your dog scratching himself aggressively can cause an abrasion. Treatments for this kind of wound are determined by its severity.
A bite wound occurs when a tooth or teeth pierce the skin and leave a hole. The hole can affect multiple layers of tissue making the risk for infection higher due to the bacteria present in a dog’s mouth. Although a bite wound may look small, it can spell big trouble for your dog. The small bite wound may not look dangerous but can be deceivingly deep causing hidden damage. Another issue with bites is the rapid healing of the outer wound. Who knew this could be such a problem? The wound is usually small and closes quickly. If any infection exists beneath the skin, the healing outer wound traps that infection in the underlying tissue causing an abscess.
Even minor wounds should be treated as soon as possible to prevent infection. A minor wound would be the same as a scraped knee or paper cut for a human. But if the object that caused the wound is still embedded in your dog’s skin, DO NOT TRY TO REMOVE THE OBJECT. Take your dog to the nearest vet clinic. Since removing the object could cause more harm to your pet.
Lacerations follow the same rules to stop the bleeding as they apply to a bleeding injury in a human. Apply steady pressure to the wound with clean gauze or a towel. Elevate the injury to promote clotting and slow the blood flow. Seek medical attention immediately if the blood flow is heavy or you have trouble getting the bleeding under control.
A severe abrasion or open wound should be seen by your veterinarian. This type of injury may require surgery or stitches to repair and help the wound heal properly. However, a mild abrasion can be treated easily. First, cut the fur away from the area to prevent infection. Clean the wound gently with a warm, soft cloth and apply a non-irritating antibacterial ointment. Since your dog will chew and lick the bandage until it comes off anyway, leave the wound open and allow the air to heal it.
Watch the area closely. If you see redness, swelling, excessive drainage, or smell a foul order, your dog may be developing an infection. In this case, seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
Blood loss and the severity and location of the wound determine recovery time. For example, dogs suffering from severe blood loss will take longer to recover than a dog with little to no blood loss.
Bleeding injuries can be painful for your dog. Your vet will most likely prescribe anti-inflammatory and pain medication for your dog’s comfort. Unfortunately, with medications come side effects.
Consider laser therapy for faster, easier recovery of your dog’s bleeding injury. Why? Because the Spectra Therapy CANINE Wearable LASERwrap® is a natural, holistic option designed to speed pain relief and recovery efforts in the convenience of your own home. And the LASERwrap® can reduce recovery time by two to three weeks.
No one likes it when a loved one is in pain, and that includes our furry family members. Eliminating the need for prescription medications with a bleeding injury not only encourages natural healing, it also allows your family pet to feel his playful self again.
Please share your thoughts and comments below. If you have any immediate needs or questions, call us at (248) 524-6300 today.
We feel fortunate to have received reflections from our clients, including patients, physicians, and coaches about how Spectra Therapy’s LASERwrap® has helped them.
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