Abscess is a common concern of dogs. Swelling of the affected area and pain that hampers the normal movements of the dog are the typical symptoms of abscess. With first aid know how, a dog owner can manage the dog’s abscess at home to alleviate the discomfort and the pain the dog is feeling.

Puncture wounds from dog bites, scratches and bruises are injuries that usually develop into abscess. Dogs have the propensity to fight with other dogs and with other animals thus these skin injuries usually happen. Painful and inflamed lump can form on any part of the dog’s body. Abscess is the result of the fast healing of wounds so that the trapped dirt and germs would cause infection. Infection will occur because the tissues under the skin is ideal for bacteria to grow. The swollen sac will develop because of the presence of bacteria.

The dog’s immune system will react to the invasion of foreign material by increasing the blood supply and the number of white blood cells that will fight the invaders. The white blood cells sent by the dog’s immune system to ward off infection would result to the formation of pus and to the swelling of the affected body part. Pus and brown or yellowish smelly liquid will fill the sac. The swollen skin will feel hot when touched. Dogs with abscess would be disinclined to move because of the pain. The dog may have no interest in food as well.

An abscess is not a life threatening health concern. For abscesses that does not heal on their own, treatment would be necessary to save the pet from suffering more pain. Without treatment, the infection can progress to the tissues surrounding the lump. It would be a good thing if the abscess ruptures spontaneously. The pus and the smelly discharge would drain from the abscess. The fur around the swollen lump will be caked by the oozing pus and smelly discharge. Fur caked by the abscess discharges must be trimmed. The contents of the abscess must be drained fully.

If the abscess did not puncture spontaneously, warm compress must be applied to the lump for 10 to 15 minutes. A hot wash cloth will increase blood flow to the infected area. This process must be repeated until the abscess comes to a head. Carefully squeeze the lump to allow the core to be expulsed completely. Allow the pus and the discharge to drain completely. Flush out the opening of the abscess with hydrogen peroxide. Tincture of iodine or other kinds of antiseptic must be generously applied to the wound. An abscess must not be bandaged as the pus and the brown discharge must be allowed to drain completely.

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