My senior poodle has a neck cut. What to watch for & can I give pain relief?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

  Veterinarian

  You can monitor the area for redness, swelling, pain, and discharge. He may need an oral antibiotic to prevent infection so you could have your vet look at the cut to determine if treatment is needed. There really isn't a good over the counter pain medication that I recommend giving him. If he needs pain medications, your vet can prescribe a medication safe for dogs. Hope the cut heals quickly.

  

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• Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

  Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

  Poor Buddy! I'm glad to hear that the cut isn't bleeding. Unfortunately, there are no human over-the-counter pain medications that would be safe to give him, so he would need a vet visit if you think that he seems painful. If he's acting normal and you opt not to go to the vet, you will need to keep the cut clean and dry while it heals. You can use a topical antibiotic spray labeled for use in dogs to help prevent infection.
  
  If the skin around the wound becomes swollen and red, or if there is any yellow or green drainage from the area, this are signs of infection - in that case, Buddy would need to see a vet since he will need oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication to treat the infection.

  

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