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  • Dog Wounds: Abrasions

    Brown dog running in the grass.

    What is an abrasion? What are the signs?

    An abrasion involves the skin’s top layers. Your dog may lick or scratch the area. It may appear red or ooze blood.

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    Emergency Steps

    1

    Apply a sterile, water-soluble lubricant and clip hair around the wound with grooming clippers.

    • The lubricant will keep hair from contaminating the wound while you shave the area.
    2

    Flush and wash the wound with warm water or saline solution.

    • This will remove the lubricant and wash away any remaining dirt or debris.
    3

    Call your veterinarian to discuss the wound.

    Dog Abrasions FAQs

    How can I make a saline solution?

    To make a saline solution, add 1 teaspoon of salt to 1 quart of warm water.

    Download the FREE Red Cross Pet First Aid App

    Pet First Aid App. The free Pet First Aid App provides guidance on your pet's health, what to do in emergencies and how to include your pets in your preparedness plans.

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    Information Provided Deborah C. Mandell, BS, VMD

    Dr. Debbie Mandell

    Pet First Aid information provided by Dr. Debbie Mandell, Professor of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania; American Red Cross National Pet Care Advisor for the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. Visit redcross.org/take-a-class/scientific-advisory-council to see how we work, members, sub councils, scientific reviews, and recent research.

    About Red Cross Training Services

    More than 4.6M people turn to us, the trusted training provider for First Aid, CPR, BLS and more, every year to gain lifesaving skills. Trust us to deliver unmatched lifesaving training that will provide you the confidence and skills to act when moments matter. Training Services is a division of the American Red Cross with the mission to spread knowledge and educate as many members of the national community in lifesaving procedures. Our services include training courses for CPR and AED, First Aid, BLS (Basic Life Support), Babysitting, Caregiving, Lifeguarding Water Safety, and more.