Stay Ahead of Bedsores on Dogs

Just like humans, dogs can also get bedsores, particularly if they're older or have mobility issues. Also known as pressure sores, these are areas of damaged skin caused by staying in one position for too long. While these sores can be painful and difficult to treat, there are numerous ways to both prevent and manage them effectively. Here's what you need to know.

What Do Bedsores Look Like?

Bedsores in dogs, also known as pressure sores, often start as small, red areas of skin irritation or abrasion that resemble a scrape or a rash. They usually occur on bony areas of the body that bear the dog's weight, such as the elbows, hips, and hocks.

As the condition progresses, the redness may intensify, and the skin might become raw and inflamed. If the sore becomes infected, it could ooze pus or fluid, and a bad odor may be present.

In severe cases, the pressure sore can ulcerate, leading to a larger, open wound that can expose the underlying tissue or bone. These advanced-stage bedsores are often painful and pose a high risk for secondary bacterial infections.

Prevention is Key

Preventing bedsores in dogs is particularly crucial for older pets, those with mobility issues, or dogs that are chronically ill.

Bedsores, also known as pressure sores, develop due to continuous pressure on certain parts of the body. They usually occur on bony prominences like elbows, hips, and ankles, where the body weight puts pressure, causing skin damage. Here are some steps to prevent bedsores in dogs:

1. Provide Comfortable Bedding: One of the easiest ways to prevent bedsores is to provide your dog with a comfortable, supportive bed. Consider investing in a quality orthopedic bed with memory foam, which can distribute your dog's weight evenly and relieve pressure on the skin.
2. Encourage Regular Movement: Encourage your dog to move around as much as possible. Regular movement helps to redistribute pressure and prevent the formation of sores. If your dog is unable to move freely, try to manually change their position every few hours.
3. Perform Regular Body Checks: Regularly inspect your dog's body for early signs of bedsores. Pay close attention to the areas where your dog's bones are close to the skin surface. Early detection can prevent sores from worsening.
4. Maintain Healthy Weight: Overweight dogs are more prone to bedsores due to the added pressure on their skin. Ensuring your dog maintains a healthy weight can reduce the risk of bedsores.
5. Keep Skin Clean and Dry: Moisture from sweat or urine can break down the skin and make it more susceptible to bedsores. Keeping your dog's skin clean and dry can help prevent this.

Treating Bedsores

Treating bedsores can be quite the process, but it's important to ensure your dog gets these taken care of. Not only are they painful, but they can worsen quickly. Here's what to do:

1. Veterinary Care: If you notice a bed sore on your dog, it's crucial to seek veterinary care promptly. The vet will clean the wound and may prescribe antibiotics or other medications to prevent or treat any infections.
2. Proper Wound Care: Once you're home, you'll need to keep the wound clean and dry to promote healing. Your vet will provide you with instructions on how to clean the wound, what to watch out for, and when to return for follow-up care.
3. Relieving Pressure: Continuing to relieve pressure on the affected area is key during the treatment process. You may need to help your dog change positions frequently or use special cushions to take pressure off the wound.
4. Nutrition and Hydration: A well-balanced diet and adequate hydration can significantly aid in your dog's recovery. Good nutrition provides the necessary resources for the body to heal, and staying hydrated helps maintain skin elasticity and resilience.

9 Facts About Bedsores on Dogs

Here are the 9 facts you need to know about bedsores in dogs:

1. They're also known as pressure sores: Bedsores, also known as pressure sores, are caused by continuous pressure on the skin, usually in areas where the bone is close to the skin surface.
2. Most common on bony areas: Bedsores in dogs typically develop on the elbows, hips, hocks, and other bony areas that bear the weight of the body when the dog lies down.
3. More common in older or immobile dogs: Elderly dogs, or those with mobility issues or chronic illnesses that limit movement, are more likely to develop bedsores.
4. Bedsores can lead to complications: If left untreated, bedsores can develop into larger, open wounds and may lead to secondary infections or more serious conditions.
5. Bedding can make a difference: Providing comfortable and supportive bedding can help prevent the development of bedsores. Orthopedic beds or beds with memory foam are often recommended.
6. Regular movement is essential: Encouraging your dog to move regularly or helping them change positions can prevent bedsores from developing.
7. Weight plays a role: Overweight dogs are more prone to developing bedsores because of the additional pressure exerted on their skin.
8. Early detection is key: Regularly inspecting your dog's body for early signs of bedsores can lead to more effective treatment and quicker recovery.
9. Bedsores can be painful: Bedsores can cause discomfort and pain, and dogs with these sores may exhibit signs of distress, such as restlessness, whining, or licking and biting at the affected area.

Prompt Treatment of Bedsores on Dogs

Bedsores on dogs can be a serious condition, but with proactive prevention strategies and prompt treatment, they can be managed effectively. Always keep in mind that any changes in your dog's mobility, behavior, or general comfort should be evaluated by a veterinarian to ensure optimal health and well-being.

References

Caraty J, De Vreught L, Cachon T, Moissonnier P, Bongartz A, Viguier E, Carozzo C. Comparison of the different supports used in veterinary medicine for pressure sore prevention. J Small Anim Pract. 2019 Oct;60(10):623-630. doi: 10.1111/jsap.13061. Epub 2019 Jul 31. PMID: 31364781. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31364781/

Swaim SF, Bradley DM, Vaughn DM, Powers RD, Hoffman CE. The greyhound dog as a model for studying pressure ulcers. Decubitus. 1993 Mar;6(2):32-5, 38-40. PMID: 8318156. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8318156/