Ask for these exact names (all common in Ghana):
-
Dettol Antiseptic Liquid (brown liquid in bottle - around 40-50 cedis for 250ml)
- Also called "Dettol Liquid"
- Most pharmacies have this
-
Dettol Antiseptic Cream (in tube - around 18-20 cedis for 30g)
- OR any antibiotic cream/ointment
-
Gauze or clean cloth bandages
-
Optional: Amoxicillin capsules - Ask pharmacist for "Amoxicillin for infection"
- Tell them the dog's weight if you know it
- Pharmacist will help with amount to give
- Put 1 capful of Dettol liquid in a clean cup
- Add 10 capfuls of clean water
- Mix together
- Use clean cloth dipped in the Dettol water
- Gently wash the wound
- Remove any dirt or yellow/white stuff (pus)
- Be gentle but thorough
- Pat dry with clean cloth
- Let air dry for 2 minutes
- Put small amount of Dettol cream on the wound
- Spread it gently
- Use gauze or clean cloth to cover
- Don't tie too tight
✓ Keep the dog in shade with water
✓ Keep flies away from the wound
✓ If the dog tries to scratch, stop them gently
✓ Give soft food if dog can eat
- Wound gets bigger or smells worse
- Dog stops drinking water
- Dog won't wake up or can't stand
- Swelling gets much bigger
Do this cleaning 3 times a day. Morning, afternoon, evening. Keep the wound clean. The bad smell should get better in 2-3 days if cleaning is working.
If the pharmacist gives you Amoxicillin capsules:
- Small dog (under 10kg): Half capsule, twice daily
- Medium dog (10-25kg): 1 capsule, twice daily
- Large dog (over 25kg): 2 capsules, twice daily
Give for 5-7 days. Mix powder with food if dog won't swallow capsule.
Remember: Clean wound 3 times daily. This is the most important thing you can do to help the dog heal.