Wash your hands and put on clean gloves if available
Stop any bleeding by applying gentle, steady pressure with clean gauze or a clean cloth for 5–10 minutes
If bleeding is heavy or won’t stop, seek emergency veterinary care immediately
Trim fur around the wound carefully if needed to keep it clean
Rinse the wound gently with sterile saline or clean lukewarm water
Remove visible dirt or debris with clean tweezers if it comes out easily
Do not use hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or harsh antiseptics
Pat the area dry with clean gauze
Apply a pet-safe antiseptic if recommended by your vet
Cover the wound with a non-stick sterile pad if it is in a spot that can be protected
Wrap loosely with a clean bandage if needed, and make sure it is not too tight
Change the bandage daily or whenever it becomes wet or dirty
Prevent licking, biting, or scratching with an Elizabethan collar or recovery cone
Keep your dog calm and restrict running, jumping, and rough play
Check the wound at least twice daily for redness, swelling, heat, discharge, bad smell, or worsening pain
Keep the wound dry and clean
Give only vet-approved pain relief or antibiotics
Contact a veterinarian if the wound is deep, punctured, gaping, on the face or near the eye, or caused by a bite
Contact a veterinarian if your dog seems lethargic, has a fever, won’t eat, or the wound is not improving within 24–48 hours