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Are you having trouble removing a sticky bandage from your dog? I am well aware of how upsetting it can be to see your dog’s discomfort. Additionally, the glue may be irritating their skin and add to their suffering.
Well, I have had a few dog owners come into the clinic where I used to work and ask for our help.
In order to remove a sticky bandage from your dog, you can use a number of things found in your home such as cooking oil, natural detergent, or rubbing alcohol. They work very well and give almost instant results. A trip to the groomer would take care of it too!
In this post, you will learn the potential problems that might occur, tips on how to remove sticky adhesives or bands from your dog’s fur, and what to avoid.
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Potential Problems With Leaving a Bandage on a Dog for Too Long
It’s unfortunate, but sometimes our dogs get injured and will require a bandage.
In many cases, we as dog owners have to administer the treatment ourselves.
Since we are not professionally trained, we might cause a few issues such as having adhesive bandages stuck on our dog’s fur.
But that’s just one issue. What if you leave one on for too long? Here are some problems that might happen.
- Irritation and discomfort which lead to redness, itching, and even open sores
- Infection due to the trapping of bacteria and moisture
- Hair matting
- Loss of circulation
- Loss of mobility
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How Are Dogs Bandaged?
Bandaging a Paw
Dogs can be a tad bit too energetic for their own good.
Sometimes, little accidents here and there happen and they get injured.
Fur parents can’t let their doggies walk around with injuries unattended lest they get infected.
With all that fur and occasional whining, bandaging your dog’s wounds can be a bit tricky though.
Here are some ways dogs are bandaged:
- Clean the injured area. Bandaging your dog’s wound without cleaning it first is foolish. You have to prevent any chance of it getting infected, be sure to get it sterilized properly. Get your pet-friendly antiseptic to disinfect gently.
- Pads Before Bandaging. You can’t apply the bandage right away after cleaning the wound. The blood will soak into the bandage, leaving you with a messy and bloody dog. To avoid that gory scene, find a sterile pad you can place over the wound. It will absorb the blood if the wound bleeds and also protects the wound from getting scraped
- Bandage. You’ve done everything you can do to keep the wound clean, now you gotta apply the bandage. Get a gauze bandage and then wrap it around the wounded area of your dog. If it’s the dog’s tail that is wounded, you need a longer gauze bandage. A wound on your dog’s leg needs more support so after placing the sterile pad, put a roll of cotton first before wrapping the wound in bandages. Make sure that you are not wrapping the gauze bandage too tight.
- Finish Bandaging. To make sure the bandage stays in place even when your dog tries to remove it, you have to use adhesive tape. Place the adhesive tape half on the bandage and half on your dog’s fur. It will keep the bandage in place whatever your dog does to get the bandage off.
Do you know what to do if your dog ate a makeup wipe?
How to Remove Sticky Adhesive (Glue) From Dog Fur
Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly is greasy and perfect for softening the sticky adhesive from a dog’s fur.
Simply smear the petroleum jelly on your dog’s fur where the sticky adhesive was left off. It’ll take a few minutes before you can rinse the stickiness away.
Your dog might feel a bit uncomfortable because of the grease, so just bathe it after.
Cooking oils
Smear a minimal amount of cooking oil on your dog’s adhesive.
Leave it for a few minutes to let the oil soften the glue of the adhesive.
When the adhesive is already soaked through by the oil, you can now peel it away from your furbaby’s fur.
Rubbing Alcohol
Dabbing rubbing alcohol on your dog’s fur can get that icky sticky adhesive too.
Just make sure you are doing it oh-so-gently as the alcohol might cause a bit of a stinging feel.
Don’t use this if you are just changing the bandage of your dog since the wound might still be fresh.
Acetone
Acetone breaks the glue on the sticky adhesive easily.
You just gotta apply it with a cotton ball to your dog’s skin around the adhesive before peeling it off.
If your dog has sensitive skin, it’s best to skip this option.
Doggy Shampoo
Say your dog’s wound is already healed and you aren’t just changing the bandage but are actually already getting your dog off it.
You can just bathe the dog and slather lots of your regular doggy shampoo on the adhesive to easily peel it away.
Rinse off completely to remove the remaining glue.
Do you know how to quiet dog nails on floors?
Natural Detergents
Natural detergents seem to be an easy option to get your dog’s fur free from any glue that was left off by the adhesive.
A little amount of natural detergents on a sponge is already enough to wash the glue away from your dog’s fur.
Professional Grooming
You’ve done everything you can do to remove the glue but it still sticks to your dog’s fur?
Professional grooming is the only option left for you.
Get your dog to the groomer and let them do the magic of removing the glue from your doggy’s fur.
What Home Remedies to Avoid?
Things like WD-40 and nail polish are just two of the most common home remedies you should avoid.
They are too dangerous to your dog’s sensitive skin, and your dog might feel a burning sensation if you aren’t careful.
Thinking of using peroxide or cold cream instead? DON’T.
Peroxide and cold cream can be poisonous to your dog so never try to use them to remove glue from your dog’s fur.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How often does a dog bandage need to be changed?
A dog bandage needs to be changed every 2 days. This time will allow you to check for any infection or if the wound is already healed.
When should I take my dog back to the veterinarian?
Take your dog bag to the vet if the wound has just worsened. Swelling and continuous bleeding are tell-tale signs that you need to take your dog back to the vet. You may also go to one to check if the wound has healed completely.
Why is my dog so hostile when I try to remove its bandage?
Your dog is in pain or scared to let you touch the wounded area. That’s why it’s afraid when you try to remove its bandage. Give your dog treats whenever it lets you remove its bandage. This is to encourage your dog to let you do it again next time.
In Conclusion: How to Remove Sticky Bandage From My Dog?
It’s really not hard to get those nasty adhesives off your dog’s fur.
Better yet, be extra careful when bandaging your dog or leave it to a professional.
This way, you will have peace of mind.
Check out dog care articles such as steri strips for dogs, dog’s stitches not dissolving, what if your dog ate a band-aid, or browse the entire section!
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