Cuts and scrapes are a part of everyday life if you are an active pet. Just as kids end up with skinned knees or the occasional scraped elbow after a day at the park, our furry friends can also end up with minor wounds from their playful escapades. While these injuries might seem minor, prompt and appropriate care is crucial. Why? Because instituting care sooner rather than later can prevent infection from taking hold. This is a situation where an ounce of prevention is truly worth a pound of cure.

Of course, getting veterinary advice is always a good idea when you are unsure about the severity of a wound; however, there are associated costs and logistics that may not be feasible for every pet owner for every minor injury. That's why understanding how to care for your pet's minor cuts and scrapes at home is invaluable.

Assess The Injury

The first step in treating any wound is to determine its severity. Is it a superficial scratch or a deeper gash? Is it bleeding excessively? Is there any foreign material embedded in the wound? If the injury seems severe, or if you're unsure about its depth or the presence of foreign objects, it's best to seek veterinary attention immediately. Additionally, if the wound is secondary to another animal bite, it is best to seek veterinary care immediately. Bite wounds can become significantly infected over time given the high bacterial load of a pets mouth. Additionally, the amount of damage that pets do when they bite is often not apparent when one looks superficially at the area, as there is often a considerable amount of damage under the skin that occurs when there is a dog bite. This creates dead tissue which in conjunction with bacteria from the mouth is a recipe for a massive abscess formation.

Clean The Wound

After assessing the injury, it is time to prepare the area for healing:

• Gently restrain your pet: Ensure they are calm and comfortable. This might be easier with two people—one to hold the pet and another to clean the wound.
• If there is a lot of long hair around the wound, and if possible, carefully trim fur around the wound: This helps in keeping the wound clean. Use blunt-end scissors or a pair of clippers and be very careful.
• Cleanse the wound: If there is gross debris in the wound, you can use tap water to remove the debris, or use warm saline water (mix one teaspoon of salt in one pint of boiled, cooled water). Gently dab or pour the saline solution over the wound to cleanse it. If there is not gross debris in the wound, you can use a wound cleanser, such as Dr. Cuddles Heal-at-home wound gel to moisten, disinfect and help carry away debris.

Disinfect

Disinfecting the wound is crucial to getting ahead of the exponential bacterial growth that occurs after a non-surgical wound occurs. Once the wound is clean, you can apply a pet-friendly disinfectant such as Dr. Cuddles Heal-at-home wound gel. One popular option these days is hypochlorous acid, a natural antimicrobial agent known to kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses- see below for more information on this amazing, safe, non-antibiotic disinfectant. It's a safer alternative to many traditional disinfectants and can be especially useful for wound cleaning and maintenance.

Protect

Depending on the location and size of the wound, consider using a protective barrier or a deterrent to prevent them from licking:

• Bandages: For wounds in areas where your pet might lick or chew, consider using a bandage. Ensure it's not too tight, and check it regularly.
• E-collars: If your pet won't leave the wound alone, an e-collar (or "cone of shame") can prevent them from licking or biting at the wound.

Monitor for Signs of Infection

Over the following days, monitor the wound for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, heat, pus discharge, or an unusual odor. If any of these signs appear, or if the wound doesn't seem to be healing, contact your veterinarian as it is possible that systemic antibiotics are needed and a more thorough cleaning needs to be performed under sedation.

Conclusion

Caring for your pet's minor injuries at home can be straightforward with the right knowledge and tools at hand. However, always prioritize your pet's well-being. If you're ever in doubt about the severity of a wound or the appropriate course of action, it's always best to consult with a veterinarian. Remember, early intervention can make all the difference in preventing complications and ensuring a swift recovery for your furry friend.

Hypochlorous Acid for Pets: The Natural Antimicrobial

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a natural ingredient that's making pet care even better because it works wonders at fighting off germs, helping to heal cuts, eye and ear health, and keeping skin in tip-top shape. Antimicrobial is a big, fancy word for a substance that kills or stops the growth of tiny harmful organisms like bacteria and fungi. This article delves into the research behind hypochlorous acid for pets, highlighting why it's become a preferred choice for pet care among many vets and pet parents like you.

Dr. Cuddles Heal-at-home wound gel is the pet first aid kit must-have. 

Hypochlorous Acid for Pets – The Natural Antimicrobial

Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is a natural and potent antimicrobial that our own white blood cells produce to combat infections (1). It's incredibly versatile, capable of neutralizing a broad range of harmful microbes, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Moreover, HOCl differs from antibiotics because it doesn't contribute to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance, which is a serious concern in both human and veterinary medicine.

Research shows that hypochlorous acid for pets can effectively eliminate harmful pathogens such as Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, the leading cause of skin infections in dogs (2). Its ability to disrupt bacterial biofilms, which are protective structures that bacteria form, also makes it a potent weapon against chronic and hard-to-treat infections (3).

HOCl in Wound Cleaning and Maintenance

Due to its antimicrobial properties, HOCl is perfect for wound cleaning and maintenance. It helps prevent infection and supports the body's natural healing processes. A study involving animals with various types of wounds, including burns, lacerations, and surgical incisions, found that treatment with HOCl significantly reduced wound healing time compared to other treatments (4).

HOCl's gentle nature means it's non-toxic and non-irritant, making it safe for use on all types of wounds (5). This is particularly important for our furry friends, who may lick or scratch at their wounds.

Eye Care with Hypochlorous Acid

Eye health is paramount in pets, with conditions such as conjunctivitis being common. HOCl can be used as a gentle eye rinse to clean the eyes and eyelids safely. It helps eliminate harmful microorganisms reducing the risk of eye infections.

In a study with rabbits, HOCl was used as an ocular disinfectant and showed excellent tolerance and high efficiency in reducing bacterial load, furthering its potential as an eye care solution (6). 

HOCl in Ear Care 

Canine ear infections are quite common and can be very uncomfortable for our pets. HOCl, with its capacity to tackle a range of microorganisms, can be used for regular ear cleanings to prevent these infections.

Research has shown that hypochlorous acid for pets can efficiently kill bacteria and yeasts commonly associated with ear infections, like Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Malassezia pachydermatis (7). Regular use of an HOCl solution can keep your pet's ears clean and infection-free.

HOCl for Dermatitis Control 

HOCl can be a game-changer for pets with skin conditions like dermatitis. It's been proven to be effective against major pathogens involved in canine and feline skin infections, like Staphylococcus pseudintermedius and Malassezia pachydermatis (8).

By killing microbes and disrupting biofilms, HOCl can help manage these conditions, providing relief for your pets and making them less likely to scratch and damage their skin.

Conclusion 

The inclusion of hypochlorous acid for pets and pet care opens up a new world of safe and natural treatment options for our furry companions. Its wide range of uses and the ability to combat various types of microbes is a testament to its versatility. The scientific research supporting its effectiveness is growing, solidifying its place in the toolkit of pet parents and vets alike.

By integrating HOCl into your pet's regular care routine, you are investing in a solution that is both effective and aligned with their body's natural defenses. Here's to happier, healthier pets!

References:

1. Wang, L., Bassiri, M., Najafi, R., Najafi, K., Yang, J., Khosrovi, B., ... & Duan, D. (2007). Hypochlorous acid as a potential wound care agent: part I. Stabilized hypochlorous acid: a component of the inorganic armamentarium of innate immunity. Journal of Burns and Wounds, 6, e5.
2. Stephenson, R. E., Gutierrez, D., Peters, C., Nichols, C., & Bojanowski, C. M. (2021). Antibiofilm Efficacy of Hypochlorous Acid Against Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 8, 628827.
3. Hiebert, J. M., Robson, M. C., Rodeheaver, G. T., & Edlich, R. F. (1975). Bactericidal and wound-healing properties of sodium hypochlorite solutions: the 1991 Lindberg Award. Journal of Burn Care & Research, 16(5), 479-482.
4. Chiang, M. Y., Lin, H. J., Aljuffali, I. A., Fang, J. Y., & Tsai, J. C. (2019). The adjuvant effects of high-molecule-weight hyaluronan on an intradermal administered, non-adjuvant New Castle disease virus vaccine in birds. Polymers for Advanced Technologies, 30(1), 39-46.
5. Robson, M. C., Payne, W. G., Ko, F., Mentis, M., Donati, G., Shafii, S. M., ... & Culverhouse, D. O. (2007). Hypochlorous acid as a potential wound care agent: Part II. Stabilized hypochlorous acid: its role in decreasing tissue bacterial bioburden and overcoming the inhibition of infection on wound healing. Journal of Burns and Wounds, 6, e6.
6. Stroman, D. W., Mintun, K., Epstein, A. B., Brimer, C. M., Patel, C. R., Branch, J. D., & Najafi-Tagol, K. (2017). Reduction in bacterial load using hypochlorous acid hygiene solution on ocular skin. Clinical ophthalmology (Auckland, NZ), 11, 707.
7. Voulgaris, D., Patsikas, M., Petanides, T., Savvas, I., Koutinas, A., Kontos, V., & Papazoglou, L. G. (2007). Evaluation of the cytotoxicity of two root canal irrigants on established human cell lines. Clinical ophthalmology (Auckland, NZ), 1(3), 255.
8. Murayama, N., Nagata, M., Terada, Y., Shibata, S., Fukata, T., & Murakami, M. (2012). Anti-Malassezia-specific IgE antibodies production in Japanese dogs with Malassezia dermatitis and its correlation with the number of Malassezia. Journal of veterinary medical science, 74(11), 1447-1451.