How to Clean a Bite Wound on a Dog

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How to Clean a Bite Wound on a Dog

Medium

15 - 25 Minutes

1 Day

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Introduction

If your dog has been bitten by another animal, especially another dog, you may have many immediate concerns. The first thing you need to do is to clean the wound, so an infection doesn't set in, dirt and grime are removed, and bacteria never has a chance to develop. The biggest trick to first aid, whether you're handling a dog or human, is to remain calm. If your dog has been bitten, be sure to separate him from the other animal first and then treat and clean the bite. Other than needing to clean the wound right away, your role at this moment is to keep your pup calm and let him know he's safe and you will care for him.

Dog's Perspective

Your dog may be anxious, angry, and filled with increased adrenaline or incredibly frightened after such an experience. A soft voice, a treat or two, and some empathy goes a long way when you're dealing with an injury to your beloved pet.

The Minor Bites Method

Effective

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Towel

Step

Inspect

Take a close look at your dog and inspect the bite wounds. Be sure to check your entire dog as there may be multiple wounds you cannot see or have not yet found.

Step

Clip fur

Even for a superficial wound, you want to clip the fur surrounding the wound. This will keep any bacteria from your dog's fur out of the wound. Before you clip the fur, apply a water-based lubricant on the wound to keep the fur from falling into the wound. Avoid using petroleum jelly here. If you do not have any water-based lubricant, place a piece of gauze over the wound to keep fur out as you clip.

Step

Wash

Pour hydrogen peroxide over the wound and let it sit bubbling as it kills bacteria. If you do not have hydrogen peroxide, warm water and a mild soap will work. Soap will sting, so be sure it is mild and try not to use too much.

Step

Topical

Apply an antibacterial topical ointment to the wound. Ointments such as Neosporin™ help keep bacteria from entering the wound and new bacteria from growing in the wound. You will need to apply the ointment at least three times a day. Keep your dog from licking the ointment.

Step

Cover

You will need to cover the bite wound with gauze, either using tape or wrapping the wound to keep it from getting dirty and keep your pup from licking it. Though it is natural for a dog to lick his wounds, doing so too early could introduce new bacteria into the bite wound and licking the antibacterial ointment off the wound could be harmful.

Step

Reassess

Unwrap the bite wound to inspect it at least three times a day. Reapply antibacterial ointment and use fresh gauze to wrap again.

Step

Call the vet

Call your veterinarian if you notice any redness, swelling, or excessive pus coming from the wound. Your veterinarian may want to see your dog and medicate with antibiotics.

The Deep Bites Method

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Towel

Step

Assess

Take a good look at your pup to ensure there are not bites you have missed in the initial assessment. Treat any bites that are bleeding profusely before treating superficial bites.

Step

Control bleeding

Apply pressure to the bite wound to control and stop the bleeding. You can hold pressure on the wound with a clean towel or cloth, or you can wrap the wound and apply pressure to stop bleeding. Give it long enough to stop but check often enough to notice it has stopped or slowed.

Step

Clean

You’ll need to wash out the wound. Bacteria from the mouths of animals can be fierce. Rinse with hydrogen peroxide to clean the wound. At this point, you should be able to tell just how bad or deep the bite is. A deep bite might just be a puncture with a small hole but deep enough in the tissue to cause problems. Or a deep bite might have a larger surface area and bruising.

Step

Antibacterial

Apply an antibacterial ointment to the wound to fight any bacteria. Hydrogen peroxide will kill bacteria in the wound from the bite, and an ointment will help bacteria from spreading or growing.

Step

Call the vet

Once your initial first aid has been performed and you can move your dog, call your veterinarian for a visit. If you need to get your dog to an emergency veterinary hospital, do not hesitate. Your veterinarian will determine if stitches are needed and will likely prescribe an oral antibiotic to fight infection.

Step

TLC

Once your pup is home, give him lots of tender loving care. Not only will the bite hurt, but the area around the wound will be tender and sore. You might even see bruising after the first day. Rest and lots of love will help your dog heal.

Caution & Considerations

Once the area is clean, keep it elevated while your pup rests.
If the bite is bleeding, apply pressure to stop the bleeding.
Cleaning may induce additional bleeding, but with a gentle wash, it shouldn’t bleed too much more.
If you need to clip the fur around your dog’s bite wound, apply a water-based lubricant to keep fur from falling into the bite area.
Antibacterial ointment needs to be applied at least three times a day.
Each time you check the bite wound, rewrap with clean wrap or gauze.
If your dog was bitten by a cat, a wild, animal, or an animal you do not know well, consider seeing your veterinarian for antibiotics and a check-up visit.
If you notice swelling, redness, or red streaks across your dog’s skin near the bite wound, see your veterinarian.
Dog fights often end with bites on the neck and legs. Be sure to check your entire dog for injuries and bites if you know he’s been in a fight. Some bites may not be as obvious as others, and bites could be far away from one another.
If you notice a change in your dog’s behavior after a bite, see your veterinarian.
Remember tender loving care goes a long way, but do not hesitate to have your vet help your injured pup as well.

Conclusion

Animal fights can be vicious. If your dog has been injured by another animal be sure to check not only the visible wounds but your dog's entire body or other ones you may not notice right away. If your little guy is seriously injured, get him to your veterinarian right away, but if you are treating him at home do so with gentle tender loving care and a good first aid kit.

How to Clean a Bite Wound on a Dog

Introduction

Dog's Perspective

The Minor Bites Method

The Deep Bites Method

Caution & Considerations

Conclusion

Success Stories and Grooming Questions

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