Veterinarian treating a wound on a dog's paw at Tassajara Veterinary Clinic in Danville, CAWound Care in Danville, CA

Proper wound care promotes faster healing and reduces the risk of infection, and our veterinarians are experienced in the latest wound treatment techniques.

Schedule an Appointment

If your pet has ever had a wound, your veterinarian likely encouraged you to monitor it closely. Open wounds require careful attention, and if your pet has a puncture or other type of wound, proper care promotes faster healing and reduces the risk of infection.

Basic Tips for Effective Wound Care

If your veterinarian has determined that your pet’s wound will heal better left open, keep these important tips in mind:

  • Regular cleaning — unless your vet recommends a specific solution, an over-the-counter saline eye flush is effective for keeping the wound clean and free of debris and matted fur.
  • Massage the area around the wound — puncture wounds need to heal from the inside out. Gently massaging the surrounding area helps keep the wound open until deeper tissue layers have healed. Allow any discharge to drain, and note its color and consistency for your vet.
  • Notify your vet of increased discharge or bleeding — some discharge is normal, but let us know if the amount increases or changes. Typically, drainage decreases a little each day as healing progresses.

If a wound is accompanied by other symptoms, such as lethargy or loss of appetite, a broader wellness exam can help rule out any underlying concerns. In some cases, imaging through our digital radiology services helps confirm there’s no deeper injury involved.

Why Choose Us for Wound Care

The veterinarians at Tassajara Veterinary Clinic are trained in the latest advancements in wound treatment and understand how important proper care is to your pet’s comfort and recovery. We’re here to support the health and wellness of your family pet and will do everything we can to make the healing process as short as possible, with the least discomfort along the way. If your pet’s wound resulted from an incident requiring surgical intervention, we’ll walk you through exactly what recovery involves.

Call Our Veterinarian Near Danville Today

Please give Tassajara Veterinary Clinic a call today at (925) 736-8387 to schedule your next appointment. Our office is conveniently located at 3436 Camino Tassajara in Danville, CA, and our entire staff is here to provide the best possible care for your family pet.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wound Care

Should I clean my pet’s wound myself, or bring them in first?

For anything beyond a minor scrape, it’s best to have a veterinarian assess the wound first to determine the right cleaning method and whether stitches or other treatment are needed.

What’s a safe solution to clean a wound at home?

Unless your vet recommends something specific, an over-the-counter saline eye flush is generally a safe, gentle option for keeping a wound clean.

How much wound discharge is normal?

Some discharge is expected as a wound heals and should gradually decrease each day. Let us know if the amount increases or the appearance changes.

Should I cover my pet’s wound with a bandage?

It depends on the wound. Some heal better left open, while others need to be covered. Your veterinarian will advise on the best approach for your pet’s specific injury.

How can I stop my pet from licking or scratching a wound?

An e-collar or recovery suit is often recommended to prevent your pet from disturbing the wound while it heals.

When should I bring my pet back in for a wound recheck?

Your veterinarian will let you know based on the wound’s severity, but any sudden increase in swelling, redness, or discharge warrants an earlier visit.

Can wounds lead to more serious health issues if untreated?

Yes. Untreated wounds can become infected and, in some cases, lead to more serious systemic illness, which is why prompt care matters.

Concerned about a wound on your pet? Give us a call.

Schedule an Appointment