Dogs are playful creatures and love nothing more than rough and tumble with other dogs. However, sometimes this rough play can become more aggressive and dogs can bite each other. Occasionally dogs will attack each other without obvious reason.
Here’s how to provide immediate first aid and treat your dog if another dog bites them.
Straight after the bite
Initially, keep yourself safe and remove your pet from the danger.
If the situation is serious, your dog might be too injured to walk. If this is the case, then you should try and carry them. However, be aware that a scared and injured pet may try and bite you – even a usually friendly and docile one.
If the dog can walk, then it can be a good idea to let them. This can have a calming effect on a stressed pet. Additionally, it can give you an opportunity to take a good look at them and observe for any injuries or bleeding.
The danger with dog bites
Dog and animal bites are often jagged and prone to infection. This is because dog’s teeth can harbour lots of bacteria. A bite is not always immediately apparent, especially if your dog has a lot of thick fur. If you suspect your dog has been bitten, check them thoroughly as soon as possible and seek veterinary advice promptly.
Hidden damage
Even if an animal bite has just punctured the skin, it is important to wash the wound really well and look out for any signs of infection. Small-looking wounds can be deceptively large as there can be considerable damage underneath the skin and fur.
Swap details
If possible, gather as much detail from the other owner as possible. Swap details with the owner of the other dog. This could help with any possible subsequent insurance claim.
Treating the bite
Treating an animal bite is similar to treating any wound, but it’s crucial to wash it immediately with clean water and antibacterial soap.
The steps are as follows:
- Reassure your pet and phone the vet. All bite wounds should be seen by a vet ASAP.
- If the vet is unavailable, wash the wound thoroughly with clean water (and antibacterial soap depending on the location of the wound).
- Stop any bleeding by elevating the wound and applying pressure. Wear gloves if possible, whenever you are dealing with bleeding.
- Get to a vet as soon as you can. Bites get infected easily; they need to be cleaned thoroughly by a medical professional and vets usually prescribe antibiotics.
- If the wound appears red, inflamed, hot, or irritated, it is likely infected, and your dog will need antibiotics.
Note: Outside the UK, if a human is bitten or licked in a wound, it is really important to get medical attention very fast and have anti-rabies medication. It is also important to ensure that they are covered for tetanus. Untreated rabies has 100% mortality, having the anti-rabies injection quickly is vital.
About us
Written by Emma Hammett for First Aid for Life
Award-winning first aid training tailored to your needs
It is strongly advised that you attend a practical First Aid for Pets course or take our online course to understand what to do in a medical emergency. Please visit https://firstaidforlife.org.uk, https://www.firstaidforpets.net or call 0208 675 4036 for more information about our courses.
First Aid for Life is a multi-award-winning, fully regulated first aid training provider. Our trainers are highly experienced medical, health and emergency services professionals. They will tailor the training to your needs. Courses for groups or individuals at our venue or yours.
First Aid for Pets provides this information for guidance. It is not in any way a substitute for veterinary advice. The author does not accept any liability or responsibility for any inaccuracies or for any mistreatment or misdiagnosis of any person or animal, however caused.