Can you use rubbing alcohol for wounds on dogs?

Answer 1

See the related question Does rubbing alcohol kill germs? As a Registered Nurse, we use alcohol only for cleansing unbroken skin prior to administering an injection. What commonly is used for wound care is betadine (puchased generically at large retail stores, Walmart, Target, is cheaper). My experience is that alcohol is quite painful to an open wound (but cheaper than betadine). The latter is not painful and my understanding more effective. Betidine is diluted iodine. Note: Finding betadine can sometimes be a pain. Generally for minor scrapes, abrasions, and lacerations hydrogen peroxide will provide the best bang for your buck - as a medium sized bottle can run you as low as 79 cents and easily last you a year. Rubbing alcohol is not recommended for sensitive skin.. or people, but it certainly works - and well. It does have a habit of drying the skin out.

Answer 2

For superficial wounds, rubbing alcohol is OK--but do not let the dog ingest any of it, and note that the smell will be very disturbing (they can smell 6 million times better than you, and alcohol smells strong to us already). Also, the alcohol will cause a bit of pain. Often just a good flushing with clean lukewarm water is enough.

If the wound is more serious, flush it out with clean lukewarm water to clean it well, wrap it, and consult with a vet--if stitches are needed, they need to go in sooner than later.

If a wound looks infected, is pussy, isn't healing, or has a peculiar or foul odor, go see a vet ASAP.