Although many trainers use shock collars humanely and effectively…
Most dog parents believe that the risk-benefit trade-off isn’t worth it.
Yes, it might curb unwanted behavior…
But it can also cause burns and wounds.
And when Fido gets them…
What should you do?
Continue reading to know:
- 5 quick steps to apply first aid to the wounds.
- 3 important ways to protect your dog’s shock collar wounds from infection.
- 5 effective tips to treat shock collar wounds in dogs (#5 is the most important).
- And much, much more…
How to treat shock collar wounds? 5 tips
#1: Apply first aid to the wounds
Once you spot wounds on your pupper, immediately remove the collar from them.
Then, ensure that Fido behaves during this procedure.
Call another person to calm them or hold them down.
If a muzzle is necessary, put one on your pooch.
With that, follow the steps below:
How to treat your dog’s wounds from a shock collar
Important: Wash your hands before proceeding. You can also wear sterile gloves for extra protection.
Step 1: Stop any bleeding
If the wounds are open and bleeding, you must slow them down first.
Use a dry and clean cloth. Wipe some of the blood that’s dripping.
Then, apply gentle pressure on the wounds to slow the bleeding.
Once there’s no more blood leaking from them, proceed to the next step. But if they won’t stop, follow tip #5.
Step 2: Remove hair and debris
Most of the time, the area surrounding the wounds is hairless. That’s because of the burns around it.
But if some hair can still go in the wounds…
You must cut them carefully to:
- Have easier access to the lesion.
- Avoid the hair from irritating the cut.
Warning: Be very cautious when using clippers or scissors to cut your dog’s hair. To avoid fur getting into the wounds, apply a water-based lubricant. It’ll decrease contamination and make cutting easier.
When done, wipe the lubricant off. And remove the remaining fur and debris.
Step 3: Clean the wounds
- Wash the area with warm and clean water.
- Pat it with a clean, dry cloth.
Step 4: Apply an antiseptic ointment
You can easily find a cheap Chlorhexidine ointment. Either 2% or 4% is good. However, most people use the latter.
Note: This is an important step. An antiseptic solution kills bacteria, which decreases the possibility of an infection. But, only put it around the wounds.
Moreover, it’s best to use a non-stinging solution. One that won’t cause any discomfort to your pup.
Step 5: Apply an antibacterial ointment
This time, you must put the antibacterial ointment on the wounds.
However, PetMD advises avoiding anything with a corticosteroid. A common example is a hydrocortisone.
Instead, go for those that have:
- Neomycin.
- Bacitracin.
- Polymyxin B.
#2: Maintain and protect the wound (and its area)
Now that you’ve applied the necessary first aid to Fido’s wounds…
You must protect it from any more dirt.
To do that, you must remember these 3 important things:
#1: Keep the wound dry
Bacteria need moisture to thrive.
Sure, they can live in places without water. However, they won’t grow or multiply in that condition.
So, when they die in a moistureless area, it’s goodbye bacteria. It rhymes because it’s true.
That said, the goal is to keep your dog’s wounds dry. Doing so will prevent infection.
#2: Regularly reapply ointments
Apart from maintaining dryness in the sores…
You must also regularly reapply the ointments.
Clean the wounds twice a day with an antiseptic solution. Then, reapply the antibacterial ointment.
Do this until the wounds are healed.
#3: Cover it up with a bandage
Avoid any debris from coming into the wounds by putting a bandage over them.
Use clean and dry gauze. Secure it over the open sores.
And as I mentioned, you must keep the punctures dry.
Now, bandaging can cause the wounds to create moisture over the area.
That’s why you must:
Frequently change the bandage
Usually, you must do this at least once a day.
But for your dog’s case…
You’ll need to change the bandage every time you reapply the ointments.
And when doing so, check the wounds for any dirt. If you find one, remove it.
#3: Take note of how long the wound heals
Whenever you reapply the ointments and change bandages…
Also observe whether the wounds are healing effectively.
That means they should be shrinking as the days go by. Plus, they’re less swollen and red.
Those are signs that the impairments are getting better.
Now, research says that a wound takes up to 6 weeks to heal fully.
And most of the healing happens inside your dog’s body.
All you have to rely on are those few signs I stated earlier.
However, you must see progress during the first week alone. And after 10 days, the wound should be mended.
You might also be interested in: Do Dogs Heal Faster Than Humans? 5 Stunning Answers
#4: Monitor for any signs of infection
Every time you do tip #2, which is to maintain and protect the wounds…
Take it as a chance to observe whether there’s a developing infection or not.
And according to doctors, here are signs to watch out for:
- Fever.
- Presence of pus.
- The wound got bigger.
- Pimples on the wound.
- Continuous swelling (and worse).
When you observe these signs, proceed to…
#5: Take the dog to the vet
As I’ve mentioned so far, you must bring your dog to the hospital if:
- They developed an infection.
- Their wounds won’t stop bleeding.
- You don’t see any progress with healing after 7 to 10 days.
However, you must also be mindful of any other indications of an issue. They can show through:
- Shaking.
- Difficulty breathing.
- Struggling to move.
- Changes in appetite.
And remember that everyone experiences pain in different ways.
That’s why your dog’s body will react depending on their tolerance. Even in an unusual way.
When they show any of those signs I mentioned…
It’s time to take them to the vet.
Disclaimer: This article is intended to provide all the information you need to know. But it’s by no means a substitute for professional veterinary advice. So when in doubt, get in touch with the vet.
Can dogs get sores from shock collars?
Dogs can get sores from shock collars.
The pressure from the prongs can bring sores. Which is a condition where the tissue in the skin dies.
Then, it becomes an open wound as the collar(‘s prongs) push through the skin.
Now, you can use shock collars effectively. There’s no lying with that one.
And most trainers who apply this to their practices use it humanely.
However, negative effects like getting sores are truly concerning.
So, when using any type of collar, not just the shock-type…
Practice the following collar-care in dogs
- Ensure that it isn’t too tight.
- Every 1 to 2 hours, reposition the collar on their neck.
- Don’t leave them wearing the collar for more than 12 hours.
- Always examine your dog’s neck after use (for rashes and sores).
- Don’t use a shock collar with a harness or leash (it can add pressure).
For further reading: Do Dogs Like Their Collars? 5 Vital Answers
Plus, research tells us that:
Shock collars are just as effective as using positive methods
So, why go for an approach that’ll hurt an obedient canine in the works?
Using shock collars in training is part of the method called negative reinforcement.
The aim of it is to let Fido know that when they do this undesirable behavior…
They’re going to feel a bit of discomfort.
Thus, discouraging them from repeating it.
But, here’s what I want to ask those that consider this type of approach:
Instead of punishing a dog for something they shouldn’t do…
Why not encourage them to make them act the way you want them to?
That’ll get you the same result.
Read also: 27 Best Dog Trainers On YouTube
Negative punishments only suppress the behavior
Dogs are obedient. That’s why we successfully domesticated them thousands of years ago.
So when they’re misbehaving, it can be unusual.
So, consider this:
An underlying issue might be causing it. Those are:
- Stress.
- Illness.
- Anxiety.
And that’s the problem with using shock collars.
It doesn’t address the problem that led to your dog’s unwanted actions. Instead, the punishment simply suppressed it.
Now that’s dangerous…
Because if the condition that pushes your dog to misbehave gets worse…
It’ll reflect on their actions. And it would be harder for you to manage the misbehaviors.
With that, consult a vet first. They’ll let you know whether an underlying illness causes it.
If not, they’ll point you to a behaviorist. And specifically ask for one that specializes in positive methods.
Then, the behaviorist will observe your pooch and ask you a few questions.
Their first goal is to know what’s causing the disobedience.
And whatever it is, they’ll work it out with you and Fido effectively.