All dog Moms and Dads will know that sinking feeling you get when your pooch injures themselves. It could be an abrasion from a sharp branch, an insect bite or a ‘hotspot’ of irritation. It is upsetting to see your pooch in discomfort and you want to do all you can to help them heal quickly.

The problem is that any kind of skin wound on a pooch can be very difficult to heal. Some wounds, such as ear tip injuries, are notorious for re-opening continually and becoming infected. Traditional bandages are very hard to put on an energetic pooch and soon come off! Added to this, is the incessant licking and biting of the wound that just makes things worse. Liquid bandages can be the ideal solution. Here is some guidance on which ones you should be adding to your first aid kit.

The Best Liquid Bandage for Dogs

1 Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Wound & Skin Care Spray

Vetericyn Plus Antimicrobial Wound & Skin Care Spray
Key features:
  • Contains hypochlorous acid to disinfect wounds
  • Does not cause stinging or irritation
  • Safe if ingested
  • Bottle has pump for easy application

This product is non-toxic and contains the active ingredient hypochlorous acid (HOCl) (0.003%) which is an antiseptic and kills germs around any wound. There are no antibiotics and no steroids so it does not cause a reaction on your pup’s skin.

It keeps the wound clean so that the natural healing processes can take place. It will not cause harm if your dog licks or bites it and it won’t sting or irritate them when you put it on. It can be used on dry, itchy skin as well as on wounds so it is useful for soothing allergic reactions and ‘hot spots’ of irritation.

It comes in a handy bottle (available in three sizes) with a pump applicator so that it can be applied to the affected area easily.

Ingredients:

Active: Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) (0.0120%). Inactive: Electrolyzed Water (H20), Sodium Chloride (NaCl), Phosphates, Sodium Hypochlorite (NaOCl).

What others say about it:
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Wow… So my dog had some major hot spots going on, happens every year this time, caused by allergies. Usually we have to take him to the vet for steroids and other meds and after $300 later he is doing better. Well I have been trying to treat them at home this year with bacitracin and antibiotic ointment. They just weren’t getting any better. Saw this product on Amazon and decided to give it a shot, otherwise was going to have to make the additional vet appointment instead.

After one treatment of this, we saw results. The spots were slowly clearing up and looking less irritated. After 3 days they are nearly cleared up. This really works for hot spots. Love the spray bottle too, made it really easy to apply to the dogs butt area :)…. Happy dog, happy human!!!

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2 3M Vetbond Liquid Bandage for Dogs

3M Vetbond Liquid Bandage for Dogs
Key features:
  • Contains the adhesive N-butyl cyanoacrylate
  • Available in a 3 ml bottle with reusable tips
  • Bright blue to indicate where it is applied
  • Does not sting or irritate

Vetbond is a tissue adhesive which actually bonds damaged tissue together. The active ingredient is N-butyl cyanoacrylate which is an adhesive and is used following surgery by vets.

It comes in a 3ml bottle with a tip that can be reused. Because it polymerizes in seconds it quickly seals the wound and it is blue in colour so that you can easily see where you have applied it. It does not sting or irritate the area and gives it the best chance of healing whilst protecting it from germs. Multi-packs of up to six bottles are available.

What others say about it:
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My mother was trimming my Bichon’s ears and cut a notch out of one of them. It bled profusely, and every time we’d release pressure, the dog would shake her head and it would fling blood everywhere and start bleeding again. I checked my self-assembled first aid kit and found this. I’d purchased it for emergency use on humans originally, and had actually forgotten about buying it. Although it had expired a month earlier, I was desperate and followed the directions. The adhesive flowed quickly and sealed the would. I applied a second coat for good measure, waited about 3 minutes, and voila – no more bleeding. The dog didn’t wince at all, so I’m assuming it was painless. I was happy that I had it on hand. Highly recommended.

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3 Nutri-Vet Liquid Bandage for Dogs

Nutri-Vet Liquid Bandage for Dogs
Key features:
  • Bitter taste to prevent licking and chewing
  • Alcohol-free and non-stinging
  • Veterinary-formulated
  • Soothing protection

Does your dog have a large wound that you find difficult to bandage? If you do, you might want to consider using the Nutri-Vet Liquid Bandage Spray for Dogs. Made to be alcohol-free and non-stinging, the Liquid Bandage Spray offers soothing and breathable protection upon application and is sure to get your dog healed up in good time.

To prevent your dog from licking and chewing it, the Nutri-Vet Liquid Bandage Spray for Dogs has a bitter taste. It also has a waterproof seal that helps keep out bacteria and has been formulated to protect against cuts, minor scrapes, and abrasions on your dog.

You are sure to find this Liquid Bandage Spray easy to use, and causes no pain to your pup.

Ingredients:

Water, Polyester-5, Allantoin, Aloe Vera Gel, Diazolidinyl Urea, Dmdm Hydantoin, Glycerin, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Propylene Glycol.

What others say about it:
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My German Shepherd suffered a bit between the bottom of his ear and his head.. (kind of like between a humans fingers, but a smaller fold). I tried different things to heal it but nothing would close it. I ordered the liquid bandage and it has sealed right up so the healing can begin. It doesn’t bother my boy at all either and sprays nice and directly on the wound. Very glad to have found this!

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4 Sulfodene 3-Way Ointment for Dogs

Sulfodene 3-Way Ointment for Dogs
Key features:
  • Ointment for minor cuts and abrasions
  • Contains a local anaesthetic – benzocaine
  • Useful for treating allergies and ‘hot spots’

A useful ointment for minor cuts and abrasions. It works in three ways by keeping out infection, providing a physical barrier and relieving pain. The active ingredients are benzocaine which is a local anaesthetic and salicylic acid which treats irritation and inflammation.

It is also useful for treating ‘hot spots’ of scratching and redness where some hair has been lost. It’s proved especially useful for treating allergies and general irritation.  The product comes in a 2 ounce tube but multi-packs are available.

 

Ingredients:

Active Ingredients : Benzocaine 1.5%, Salicylic Acid 1.6%.

Inactive Ingredients: Menthol, Sorbitan Monooleate, Polysorbate 80, Cajaput (Melaluca Lucadendron – Tea Tree Oil), Thyme Oil, Cornmint OIl, Clove Oil, Soldium Edetate Disodium, Benzalkonium Chloride, Butylated Hydroxytoluene, Echinacea, Emu Oil in a Beeswax/Petroleum Base.

What others say about it:
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This stuff is absolutely AMAZING!!! Our Boxer has terrible skin allergies. It effects the top of his head and inner and outer ears, it made him uncomfortable and miserable. We tried everything possible to help him find relief with very little success. The itching became so bad he had open soars on his face from digging and scratching at his ears. He was miserable and I felt horrible for not being able to find anything to give him relief. Then I came across this product and thought I would give a try… I’d already tried everything else, and for the price we had nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Due to the amount of treatments we had tried our Boxer was not happy for us to try yet another product. After the first application the inflammation and redness in his ears had shown immediate improvement. After the first week his ears were almost completely back to normal, the psoriasis rash on his head was almost gone and the soars from digging were finally healing. After two weeks his ears were normal and his rash gone. He even was perfectly happy to let us apply the ointment because of the relief it gave him.
I definitely recommend trying this product if your fur baby has skin condition. I will 100% buy this product again and again!!!!

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5 KeriCure Tough Seal Dog Liquid Bandage

KeriCure Tough Seal Dog Liquid Bandage
Key features:
  • Seals wounds with a natural organic polymer
  • Breathable and elastic
  • Waterproof
  • Non-toxic

This spray-on bandage for dogs seals all sorts of wounds and protects them as they heal naturally. It is made from a natural and safe organic polymer which blocks dirt and bacteria yet allows the wound to ‘breath’ and heal quickly.

Because it is both waterproof and sweatproof, it will stay in place once it is applied and will fall off once the healing is complete. The product is completely non-toxic and will cause no harm if licked or bitten. You can use it for all sorts of wounds including bleeding cuts and for nail tears or after nail clipping to promote healing. It forms an invisible barrier which helps ‘hot spots’ and areas of dry skin to heal.

Ingredients:

Contain only two ingredients, water and a proprietary polymer

What others say about it:
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I have a English bulldog and they are notoriously known for issues such as itching. Well we tried just about everything. Including removing are carpet, area rugs, grain free food, new detergent, porcelain dog bowls, medicine, and spending hundreds of dollars at the vet. Nothing worked and it was heart breaking to see our fur baby continually itch his chin. Often so bad it would bleed. So we decided to try this product, and it’s been a miracle. Our dog no longer itches his chin and we couldn’t be happier. I can not emphasize how amazing this product helped our fur child. Thank you from the bottom of our heart!

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6 Miracle Care Kwik-Stop Liquid Gel for Dogs

Miracle Care Kwik-Stop Liquid Gel for Dogs
Key features:
  • Contains ferric subsulfate and aluminium chloride to reduce bleeding
  • Contains the local anaesthetic benzocaine
  • Useful after nail clipping

This gel contains ferric subsulfate and aluminium chloride which prevents bleeding as soon as you apply it to a minor wound. The product also contains benzocaine which stops the wound from causing your pooch pain.

It’s very useful in stopping bleeding after nail clipping accidents and tail docking and for all other minor cuts and abrasions.  You can also buy the product as a powder and as pre-soaked pads.

Ingredients:

Ferric Subsulfate,Aluminum Sulfate, Silica, Iodophor and Benzocaine.

What others say about it:
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I clip my little dog’s nails, she jumped, just as I clipoed and pushed her toe way forward – had nothing to use, held her and put pressure, called my aunt, frantic, she brought this over and it stopoed the bleeding almost instantly! I ordered the next day, my little boy did the same thing the next week. so grateful I had this on hand!

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7 Vet Aid Enzymatic Wound Care Pet Foam

Vet Aid Enzymatic Wound Care Pet Foam
Key features:
  • Promotes natural healing
  • Applied as a foam – dries as a bandage
  • Contains USP Grade Sea Salt and enzymes
  • Low odour

If you like the idea of a totally natural skin care product for your four-legged friend, this is the product for you. It is totally free from artificial chemicals and comes as a moisturizing foam solution. Once applied to the skin, it dries into a bandage.

The active ingredient is USP Grade Sea Salt with natural enzymes to protect the wound and promote healing.

You can safely use this product on dogs of all ages and is just what you need for any type of non- secreting wounds. Pop it on insect bites, patches of dry skin and irritation and ‘hot spots’. It has a low odour and dogs don’t lick it which allows the wound to heal.

Ingredients:

Purified Water, Propellant, Dimethicone, Glycerin, Stearic Acid, Coconut Acid, Caprylic/Capric, Triglyceride, Cetyl Alcohol, Polyvinylpyrrolidone, Triethanolamine, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ceteareth-20, Allantoin, Sea Kelp, Methyl Paraben, Sea Salt, Lysozyme, Propyl Paraben.

What others say about it:
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I never leave reviews, just normally dont have the time. I wanted to leave this one though. It is THE BEST first aid care for any dog (havent tried it on another animal) skin wound and I am even using it on the inner ear part (not internal) of my dog who has wax and dead skin build up. We got it to help heal a hot spot but i use it for scratches, minor bites, scars and bumps. Bought in May still have it and used multiple times. My dog can lick it but normally doesnt want to. My vet never heard of it but is all for trying new things.

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8 Miracle Care First Aid Liquid Bandage Spray for Dogs

Miracle Care First Aid Liquid Bandage Spray for Dogs
Key features:
  • Dries in three to five minutes
  • Waterproof yet breathable
  • Contains to denatonium benzoate discourage licking

This is sprayed on as a liquid and within three to five minutes of being exposed to the air it dries as a bandage. The seal is waterproof and protects the wound from excessive licking. It also tastes bitter (the active ingredient is denatonium benzoate) so dogs are put off licking it at all.

Air is able to get to the wound to promote healing and the liquid soothes any discomfort. It comes in a bottle with an easy to use pump applicator.

Ingredients:

Water, Vp/Dimethiconylacrylate/Polycarbamyl Polyglycol Ester and Vp/Polycarbamyl Polyglycol Ester, Sodium Benzoate (as A Preservative), Denatonium Benzoate (Bitrex).

What others say about it:
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I like this spray. This spray is my friend. We have two 1.5 yr old pups who are constantly at war with each other so there are lots of scrapes and boo-boos. They are both big babies too. They don’t like their toe nuggets touched, they don’t like creams, so one quick shot of this liquid magic and we’re good to go. The patient might have a quick pout, but all ends well for all parties involved. Red, irritated belly be gone!

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9 Remedy + Recovery Liquid Bandage for Dogs

Remedy + Recovery Liquid Bandage for Dogs
Key features:
  • Contains no acrylic
  • Aloe and chamomile for soothing irritation
  • Waterproof yet breathable

This liquid bandage is designed to soothe cuts and scrapes and to promote rapid healing. It has no alcohol in it so it will not sting your pooch when you spray it on. There are natural healing and soothing agents (chamomile and aloe) which reduce redness and inflammation. There is no acrylic in the product.

It is breathable to help wounds heal yet waterproof to help keep the wound dry. It can be used on more serious wounds that have been stitched and is useful for ‘hot spots’ of irritation.

Ingredients:

Water, Polyester-5, Allantoin, Triethyl Citrate, Sodium Benzoate, Glycerin

What others say about it:
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There is everything right with the product. The care that was put into producing it is very, very evident. I used it with my cat — and it protected a wound that otherwise would have presented hellacious discomfort to her. Before buying it, I compared it with all the other liquid bandage products for pets that I could find. One noticeably fine feature of it is that it does not contain plastic. As far as I could tell, my cat was soothed by it (the label does promise animals will find it soothing). I highly, highly recommend it — and thank the company that produced it for being so conscientious.

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Best Liquid Bandage for Dogs Buying Guide & FAQ

What to Consider When Buying a Liquid Bandage for Dogs

It is not always easy to treat a wound on a dog. Your pooch may not take kindly to having a bandage put on them and dogs are notorious for fussing over and excessively licking wounds. This can irritate the skin further, cause the wound to be permanently irritated, and slow down healing.

A liquid bandage is often suggested as a good alternative but there are several types of products available and they do not all perform the same function. Here are some things that you should consider before you

  • Does it dry to form a seal?

Some products simply clean and disinfect a wound. They do not have active ingredients that form a seal. They are still very useful for wound care and promote healing but are not strictly liquid bandages.

  • Does it contain an anesthetic?

Abrasions, allergies, and ‘hot spots’ can cause your dog a lot of discomforts. A spray bandage that contains a local anesthetic such as benzocaine can bring immediate relief and help your pooch feel more comfortable. They will leave the wound alone and allow it to heal naturally.

  • Does it contain antiseptic?

Any break in the skin can become infected if bacteria enter the wound. Liquid bandages that contain an antiseptic such as hypochlorous acid, cut down the likelihood of this happening and help to kill bacteria that are already around the broken skin. It is important to thoroughly clean the wound before they are applied.

  • Does it discourage licking?

Dogs can get carried away by licking a wound. It is a natural reaction to getting injured, and it is true that saliva does have some healing properties, but excessive licking continually reopens the wound and irritates it as it is healing. Biting the area causes even more damage.

Some liquid bandages for dogs contain ingredients such as Bittrex which tastes really bitter and discourages dogs from licking the area.

You must make sure that any liquid bandage you buy is non-toxic because there is no way of making sure that your pooch will not get licked.

  • Does it stop bleeding?

Styptic ingredients are special chemicals that stop bleeding by encouraging the clotting process. If you want to be able to stop bleeding quickly, it may be best to choose a spray bandage that contains ferric subsulfate, aluminum chloride, or some other styptic ingredient. These are very useful after nail clipping.

  • Natural vs synthetic ingredients

A lot of first aid remedies contain artificial ingredients that work very well to seal and disinfect wounds. If you would rather use a natural product, you could choose one with sea salt and natural enzymes for healing or with aloe for soothing. All liquid bandages for use on animals should be non-toxic.

Some liquid skin for dogs products is described as free from latex, silicone, gluten, and dyes so you do not have to worry about them triggering an allergic reaction.

  • Alcohol and stinging

Some liquid bandages contain alcohol and this can cause stinging. It may be best to choose one that specifically states that it will not sting when it is applied. The last thing you want to do to an injured dog causes more pain. They will remember it and won’t let you use the product again.

  • How it is applied to the skin

Most liquid pet bandages are sprayed on. As the solvent (which is usually water) evaporates, they seal over the wound. An alternative is a tissue adhesive that contains N-butyl cyanoacrylate and acts like glue. It actually fixes the tissue back together and is used by vets after surgery.

  • Type of wound you need it for

Some liquid skin for dogs products can be used on deep wounds but others are only for superficial injuries. Some are useful for allergies and hot spots because they are very soothing and reduce inflammation. If your pooch has a long-standing, chronic skin problem (such as an ulcer) there are products that are specifically designed to help with that.

  • Area of the body that is injured

It is worth checking if the product can be used near the eyes, the nose, or the mouth because some are not suitable for these areas. Always read the instructions carefully.

  • Waterproof and breathable

The best liquid bandages are both waterproof and breathable. They will keep the wound nice and dry while it is healing but will allow air to reach it so that it can ‘breath’ and heal quickly.

  • How will it come off

The main advantage of a liquid pet bandage is that it requires no further action from you and is supposed to be hassle-free. They should be designed to fall off once the wound is healed. This is better than stitches which may have to be removed. You may be able to apply it several times.

dog laying down

Benefits of Using a Liquid Bandage for Dogs

Liquid bandages are popular with dog owners and with vets.  Here are some of the reasons why they are so useful:

  • They don’t come off: There are some parts of a dog that are especially hard to bandage. The tips of the ears are a good example. Bandages don’t stay in place and the wound can reopen every time your pooch shakes its head. Nail tears and injuries after nail clipping are very difficult to apply a dressing too. A liquid bandage spray is a good option because they are easy to put on and stays in place.
  • Help to soothe general irritation and allergic reactions: Dry, inflamed, and irritated skin can be caused by allergies. Liquid dog bandages can be sprayed over the entire area and can soothe and calm irritated skin. They often contain ingredients that reduce inflammation and a local anesthetic that brings immediate relief from burning and itching.
  • Good for long-term skin conditions like ulcers: Skin can take a long time to heal and some dogs suffer from chronic skin abrasions such as ulcers. Continual movement, licking and wetting slow down the healing process, and infections can set in. Liquid bandages are ideal for providing protection from moisture, dirt, and germs and promote healing.
  • Help with ‘hot spots’ of irritation: ‘Hot spots’ are small areas of intense irritation that are moist and bright red. They are found most often on the head, chest, and hips. Dogs obsessively bite and lick them and this sets up even more hot spots. They can be triggered by an insect bite or an allergy but can also arise because of boredom or stress. A liquid bandage for dogs is especially useful at deterring licking because they taste so bitter.
  • Immediate relief: Many liquid bandages contain a local anesthetic so they bring immediate relief from itching and irritation by numbing the area around the wound.
  • They are easy to apply: They are a useful product to keep in your first aid box because you will be able to apply it yourself to minor wounds and will not have to go and see a vet. However, they can only be used on wounds that are small, clean, and dry. If the wound is infected, it will simply seal in the moisture. You should always consult a vet about an infected wound. Serous wounds may need stitches and you must always take a seriously injured dog to a vet straight away.
  • It can be used many times: One bottle will last for several months and you can use it over and over again. Other dog bandages can only be used once and then need to be discarded.
  • They don’t have to be removed: This makes them less painful and less time-consuming than stitches. Obviously, major wounds will still need to be stitched by a vet.

Best Liquid Bandage for Dogs FAQ:

Q: What is a liquid bandage for dogs?

A: Liquid bandages are a liquid product containing a mixture of chemicals. Usually, they consist of a polymer (a compound made up of lots of smaller units) that has been dissolved in water or possibly alcohol. There is often an antiseptic and local anesthetic added as well.

When the liquid is sprayed on a wound, the solvent evaporates leaving the solid polymer behind on the wound. Several polymers are used in liquid bandages including polyvinylpyrrolidone which is soluble in water. Some use natural polymers and others use manmade polymers.

Q: Is it safe to use liquid bandages on my dog?

A: Yes, the best liquid bandage for dogs will be endorsed by vets for treating minor, clean, and uninfected cuts and abrasions. They are also suitable for allergies and hot spots. Choose a product that does not contain alcohol to prevent stinging and distressing your pooch.

It is important to note that they should not be used for large or deep wounds. They should also not be applied to infected wounds. Both of these situations require veterinary treatment. It is important to clean the wound and clip excess hair before they are applied.

Q: Should I layer the product several times?

A: The manufacturer’s instructions will indicate whether the product can be layered and how many times a day it can be applied. Many can be layered up to three times a day.

Most liquid bandage sprays are clear so you will be able to observe the wound even though you have applied several layers. It is important that you check on it once a day to make sure that it has not become infected.

The product will fall off itself so you will not have to remove it. The idea is that the wound is healed before it falls off.

Q: Do liquid bandages repel water?

A: Yes, the best liquid bandage for dogs will be waterproof and will stop the wound from getting repeatedly wet and promote healing. The polymer in the product becomes semi-solid when it is exposed to air and so it will repel water droplets. However, it allows air molecules to enter which promotes healing.

In order to produce a waterproof seal, many manufacturers recommend that you clip or shave excess fur from around the wound before the product is applied.

dog laying on a sofa

Our Top Pick

An excellent non-toxic wound treatment cleans and disinfects wounds without causing adverse reactions. It’s perfectly safe if licked or bitten by your dog which is important because dogs like to lick wounds! It keeps the wound clean and therefore promotes healing and is recommended by vets and owners as a useful addition to your dog’s first aid kit.

You may also like our article on the Best Dog Knee Braces.

Source:

  1. Hanie Elfenbein, DVM, Ear Tip Injuries in Pets, PetMD
Sharon Parry

Sharon is a Ph.D. scientist and experienced pet content writer. As a life-long animal lover, she now shares her family home with three rabbits, a Syrian hamster, and a Cockapoo puppy. She has a passion for researching accurate and credible information about pets and turning it into easy-to-understand articles that offer practical tips. When it comes to our furry friends, she knows that there is always something new to learn!

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