What do I do if my dog was bitten by another dog?

Dogs sometimes fight, it may be over something they both want, it may be one or both of the dogs are aggressive toward other dogs no matter what, there are all sorts of reasons they may bite another dog.   So, if your dog has been bitten, what do you do? A lot depends on the severity of the bite:

• FIRST, protect yourself and place a gentle but effective muzzle on the dog (it may hurt to handle the area bitten and you may get bitten when trying to help).   Use a leash or rope and gently wrap it twice around the dogs muzzle, then cross over and tie it behind the head.   Then have someone hold the dog firmly but gently around the head/neck so that they cannot get the leash/rope off with their paws.
• Wash the wound thoroughly with clean water and antibacterial soap.   Even if an animal bite has just punctured the skin, it is important to wash the wound really well, small-looking wounds can be hiding considerable damage underneath the skin and fur.
• Stop any bleeding by elevating the wound (if possible) and applying pressure. Wear exam gloves if possible, whenever you are dealing with bleeding so you don’t introduce bacteria into the wound from your hands. You can usually get them at health centres and pharmacies to have on hand.
• Gently clean the wound and replace the bandage daily until healed well.
• Apply sterile cotton pads then wrap the wound with a sterile gauze roll (again, usually available at health centres or pharmacies).  Wrap it snugly enough to stay in place but not so tight it could cut off circulation.
• If the wound is where the dog can reach it with it’s mouth, you need to do something to stop them from licking at the area or tearing off the bandage.   There are recovery collars (E-collars) but if you don’t have access to a vet you would have to improvise with a large towel wrapped around the dogs neck and taped in place (not too tight) to make it so they can’t bend around it to get to the wound.

• WATCH FOR INFECTION – Bites get infected easily.   If the wound looks red and becomes inflamed, hot, or angry looking, if you see pus, swelling or increased pain, these are all signs of infection and the dog will definitely need antibiotics.
• IF you cannot stop the bleeding, it is a large or multiple wounds, your dog won’t let you touch the area, etc. you need to get the dog to a veterinarian.
• Ideally, with any bite wound, if it is possible, you get to a veterinarian to have them examine the wound, treat it and most often, prescribe antibiotics.