Wash your hands
Muzzle the dog if needed for safety
Stop any bleeding with clean gauze or a cloth
Rinse the wound gently with sterile saline or clean lukewarm water
Remove visible dirt with clean tweezers if it comes out easily
Clean around the wound with diluted antiseptic safe for dogs, if available
Pat the area dry with sterile gauze
Apply a pet-safe antiseptic or antibiotic ointment if recommended by a veterinarian
Cover the wound with a clean non-stick bandage if needed
Change the bandage daily or when wet or dirty
Prevent licking or chewing with an e-collar
Monitor for swelling, redness, pus, bad odor, pain, or fever
Contact a veterinarian if the wound is deep, bleeding heavily, punctured, infected, or not improving