 | To control bleeding, apply gentle, steady pressure with clean,
absorbent material. Apply a tourniquet loosely only as a last resort.
|
| Penetrating or sucking wounds to the chest must be tightly covered to
help support adequate respiration. Do NOT remove objects from a chest or
abdominal wound. Instead, wrap the object at its entry point with plastic wrap
to seal the wound and hold or tape in place.
Transport immediately to a veterinary facility. |
| To clean contaminated wounds, flush gently with a stream of cool water
or immerse in a cool tub. Then apply a cold compress to actively bleeding
wounds or topical antibiotic and clean bandage to less serious wounds.
|
| Superficial wounds may be cleaned with 3 percent hydrogen peroxide or
salt water (1 tsp. salt in 1 pint warm water is comparable to normal body
fluids). |
| Lacerations (cuts through the skin) should be closed as soon as
possible to maximize healing and minimize infection. |
| Major wounds should receive veterinary attention immediately. Minor
wounds should be examined within 24 hours. Maltese are particularly prone to
infection and often require antibiotics to facilitate healing. |
