If your dog has been bitten by another dog it’s important to act quickly to prevent serious complications. What may seem like a tiny bite can turn into a serious problem if left untreated. Take a quick breath, try to remain calm, and read on for what to do next.
What To Do Right After a Dog Bite Happens
If the other dog owner is present ask if their dog is up to date on his rabies vaccine, and collect personal information for a potential follow up.
If a dog bite took place on someone’s property, homeowners insurance may cover some of the costs. Take photos of your dog and all of their injuries.
Access Your Dog’s Injuries
If your dog is able to walk let them do so, and observe if their gait seems normal. If they’re unable to walk or is acting lethargic, carry them to a safe location and get your things in order so you can take them to an emergency vet clinic.
Check for bleeding. If there is any bleeding grab a towel, shirt, or gauze and apply pressure to help slow it down.
If you see any bite wounds at all it’s time to call your vet and see if they can get you in for an urgent visit, or take a trip to the emergency clinic. Wounds that are treated within six hours have the best chances of healing without complications.
If you are able to make an appointment but can’t get in within an hour or two, you can gently wash the bite with soap and water and pat dry. Then use chlorhexidine or betadine to dab the wound in order to help kill germs.
If your dog has no visible injuries at all and does not seem to be in any pain or distress call your vet and let them know what happened, they may advise you that it’s OK to wait for a regular appointment.
Keep in mind some bite wounds can be very hard to detect since a dog’s fur can be so thick; it’s better to be safe than sorry, since a bite wound left unattended can cause serious complications.
Many serious injuries seen with dog fights are internal and dogs can have critical injuries with no outward signs of trauma at all. Anytime a dog has been in a fight they should see a veterinarian to look for pain/wounds or signs of serious internal injury. – Evolution Veterinary Specialists
Take Your Dog to The Vet
Even if the bite wound seems superficial it’s a good idea to take your dog to the vet since bites can be deceptive when it comes to size. Dog teeth can go in quite far, even if the point of puncture isn’t large or torn.
Dog mouths are full of bacteria, and it doesn’t take long for a seemingly small bite to cause a lot of issues. When that bacteria gets below the skin’s surface it can multiply and spread through tissue, which can lead to an abscess, cellulitis, and in rare occasion infections of the bone and/or joints.
When your dog is bitten, the tooth not only creates a small puncture in the skin, it also creates a pocket below the skin which forms an ideal environment for bacteria (from the aggressor’s mouth) to multiply and lead to an infection. – Carolina Veterinary Specialists
How Bite Wounds Are Treated
All bite wounds are considered infected and/or contaminated, so the goal of treatment is to repair the wounds themselves as well as cleaning them thoroughly to reduce the chances of an infection developing.
If the bite went deep enough surgical intervention may be needed. Your dog may need to go under anesthesia so the veterinarian can remove damaged tissue and place a drain that will allow any pooling infection to drain out.
In serious cases your dog might also need x-rays or ultrasounds to look for broken bones or internal injuries.
Depending on the severity of the bite(s), your dog may be prescribed antibiotics. The sooner the antibiotics are prescribed, the sooner the infection can be controlled.
To prevent your dog from licking the wound your vet will likely recommend that your dog wear an Elizabethan collar/E-Collar (cone).
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