A bandage has been applied to your pet today. Please be sure to follow your veterinarian’s instructions for bandage care and rechecks closely. Mismanaged bandages can lead to unnecessary complications such as infection, discomfort, or delayed healing. If you ever have any concerns about your pet’s bandage please bring them in immediately for a recheck. The following are general guidelines for at-home bandage care:
- Monitor your pet’s toes (if visible) and the area around the top of the bandage at least twice daily for any swelling, bruising, bad odor, discharge, skin irritation, heat, or cold temperature/decreased blood flow.
- Keep the bandage clean and dry. Prevent your pet from licking/chewing the bandage, and cover with a plastic bag before going outside (be sure to remove the bag when back inside). If at any point the bandage becomes wet, remove it immediately. A WET BANDAGE IS WORSE THAN NO BANDAGE.
- If your pet’s bandage slips or becomes loose, remove it and schedule a recheck.
- Do not attempt to replace your pet’s bandage at home; it is very easy to apply bandages too tightly or
- compress important areas unintentionally.
- If it becomes necessary to remove your pet’s bandage at home, try to unravel/unwind the bandage material. If scissors are required, cut through only one layer at a time - it is very easy to cut skin when you can’t see it!
For a downloadable PFD version of our Bandage Care Handout, click here.