Background: Wounds are skin injuries that can arise from multiple causes. A wide range of wound dressings has become available, including bandages made of hydrocolloid, hydrogel, and alginate, and bandages containing silver and natural antibacterial agents. Hydrogels made up of hydrophilic polymers are particularly useful for treating wounds in small animal. However, the costs associated with using hydrogels in wound treatment are considerable. Hence, the current study provides a systematic assessment of the use of hydrogels in wound treatment in small animals to promote higher standards of wound care. Methods: Databases, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect and Scopus, were searched for English-language published articles on the application of hydrogels in wound management of small animals from January ۲۰۱۸ to August ۲۰۲۵. Results: A total of ۲۰ studies were included. Based on the study results, hydrogels have been demonstrated to be highly effective in wound management, periodontal regeneration, bone healing, and bone regeneration of small animals. Hydrogels can significantly diminish localized inflammation and pain by cooling the area around the wound, and they are an excellent option for wounds with a moderate to low amount of exudate. The future of wound management in small animals is moving towards the development and localization of cost-effective and user-friendly technologies. Furthermore, research needs to focus on the efficacy of innovative dressings, including nanoparticle-based alternatives, as well as the use of biological materials like skin grafts or growth factors for wounds with significant tissue deficits. Conclusion: This systematic review revealed that hydrogel dressings can be highly beneficial in wound management of small animals, and they resulted in faster healing, fewer dressing changes, and lower animal pain overall.
