How do I make a temporary bandage?

Every wound that requires a bandage generally always requires veterinary attention!  Protecting the wound with the help of a plaster or bandage is good for hygiene and helps accelerate healing and can be provided for first aid. However, a bad technique, or the use of inappropriate materials can be counterproductive or even dangerous.

If for any reason you have to cover your companion’s wound, for instance in order to seek urgent attention from a veterinarian, here are some instructions:

• Clean and disinfect the wound.
• A bandage is made up of three layers: a contact layer (honey for instance), a layer to absorb (sterile compresses for instance) and finally a protection layer (dry or adhesive strips for instance).
• In certain cases, if your cat is bleeding a lot for instance, it is recommended to make a compression bandage or even a tourniquet. First, call your veterinarian in order to seek advice. This type of compress cannot be left in place for more than 2 hours. Beyond that, you run the risk of necrosis through ischaemia (death of tissues by lack of oxygen).

• In the event that your veterinarian sees your cat on a regular basis in order to change its bandages, monitor it at least twice a day. It must remain clean, dry and in place! If your cat is accustomed to going out, you will unfortunately have to prevent it from doing so during the course of healing. Indeed, it could reopen the wound, make it dirty, or even get stuck because of its bandage! Make sure to provide it with a clean litter tray, away from prying eyes, especially if it is not used to them! If your cat is tempted to lick or remove its bandage, ask your veterinarian for an Elizabethan collar (buster collar).

• It is also important to check that a leg bandage isn’t too tight. The effects of inflammation or lack of movement can cause the leg to swell, making the bandage  too tight. You should be able to fit a finger between the skin and the bandage of your cat’s leg. If the toes are out of the bandage, check that they are not swollen, painful, or hot to touch.
• Finally, superficial wounds in principle do not require bandages. To protect them, a soothing and protective spray is perfectly adapted.