As the UK landscape bursts into life and days lengthen, the nation’s dogs will once again be enjoying the season of adventure. 

From bounding through spring-bluebell woods to long summer treks across rugged hills, our increased summer activity can bring a heightened risk of minor injuries to our canine chums.

For dog owners, breeders and professionals alike, having the right tools on hand to cope with minor wounds and scrapes is no longer a luxury but an essential part of responsible care.

Veterinary surgeon Nick Butcher, owner of Animus Surgical, which produces veterinary-grade tissue adhesive Animus SkinBond, says the right products can help manage minor wounds quickly and calmly, with SkinBond’s single use sterile pipettes option ideal for pet first aid kits. 

With more than 25 years of experience in animal health, Nick has seen first-hand how a well-equipped first-aid kit can prevent a small scrape from disrupting a day out.

He said: “As any owner of a busy working, sporting or active dog knows, a grazed paw from a sudden stop or a small cut from a rogue branch can happen in an instant.   

“Having something on hand which can seal a superficial wound in seconds without the need for bandages or a trip to the vet, can turn a potential ‘walk-ender’ into a minor hiccup.”

Nick advises that effective first-aid for minor animal injuries should focus on three things – cleaning the wound thoroughly, stopping any surface bleeding and protecting the area from dirt and moisture while it heals.

Tissue adhesives such as SkinBond, originally developed for veterinary use, offer a flexible, waterproof barrier that holds the edges of minor wounds together to allow healing naturally underneath with minimal fuss.

Beyond its practical benefits, every purchase of SkinBond also supports a wider mission, with 15 per cent of the product’s profits directed to the Quadstar Foundation, an educational charity founded by Nick in 2017. 

Quadstar provides life-changing financial support, mentoring, and pastoral care to talented young people facing adversity, with strong links to the Bristol Veterinary School.

“The goal is to combine a simple, effective solution for everyday pet care with a commitment to giving back,” added Nick. “It’s about supporting the next generation of veterinary professionals and the animals in their care.”

To find out more about Animus SkinBond, which is available to buy online, visit: https://animussurgical.com/products/animus-medbond-animal-skin-glue. For more information about the Quadstar Foundation, visit: https://quadstar.org/.