Just a quick question.  On our morning outings, while chasing squirrels through the undergrowth,  Molly the labrador always manages to scrape and scratch her tummy and the skin under her back legs, often breaking the skin and causing bleeding and sore places.  These are quite small injurys, not requiring vet treatment.  I was wondering what would be the best way to clean and disinfect these scratches.  At the moment she just gets a quick hose down with cold water.  Should I be applying any sort of cream or lotion or just leave her to lick them clean.

thanks
mrs m.

I usually keep some Savlon Antiseptic spray around. It's a pump spray so does not worry the dogs. Failing that I clean with a weak salt water.

Always check them because Labradors are inclined to throw themselves, body and soul into things. My keeper showed me one of his Springers yesterday with four stitches in it's "Under arm" area. It ran into a stick in the wood. These things happen so easily.

I keep a first aid kit around although it's reather easier for me to chuck it in the game cart than it is for the average person to carry around. One tip for that is to never carry anything to dont know how to use. You will never use it so it is weighing you down for no real reason. Some antiseptic, a few dressings and som micropore tape is a good foundation for a first aid kit and will cover 90% of your needs.

Regards. John