Dog parks, walks, and backyard playdates are all great ways to keep your pup active and social, but even the friendliest dog can find itself in an unexpected altercation. Dog-on-dog bites happen more often than we’d like to think, and when they do, fast, appropriate action is critical. Country Club Veterinary Clinic knows how frightening and confusing these situations can be. Knowing what to do next when your canine companion suffers a dog bite can increase the chances of a better recovery.
Common Reasons for Dog Bites
Understanding why dogs bite each other can make incidents more predictable. Some of the most common reasons why a dog will start an altercation with another dog include:
- Fear or Anxiety: A scared dog may lash out if it feels trapped or threatened, especially if the other dog is unfamiliar or overly energetic.
- Protective Behavior: Dogs may act aggressively to protect their owner, food, toys, or even another dog in their “pack.”
- Poor Socialization: Dogs that haven’t been properly socialized may struggle with reading or responding to other dogs' body language.
- Pain or Illness: Dogs in pain or feeling unwell may react defensively, even with familiar dogs.
- Territorial Instincts: A dog may perceive another dog entering their space (yard, home, crate, etc.) as a threat.
What to Do if Your Dog Is Involved in a Bite Incident
Step 1: Separate the Dogs Safely
Avoid putting your hands near their mouths. This means not grabbing a collar with your hands, as that can still put you within bite range. Use loud noises, water, or a barrier (like a jacket or bag) if necessary. Safety first.
Step 2: Exchange Info
Exchange contact information with the other pet owner, just like you would after a fender bender. You will want to be able to contact them to get a rabies vaccine status for the dog that bit your pet. This exchange of information may not always be possible due to safety concerns, so use your best judgment.
Step 3: Check for Injuries
Even if wounds aren’t immediately visible, check your dog carefully. Look for bleeding, tenderness, swelling, limping, or behavioral changes. Remember that your dog may be hurt or still be scared, and they will act accordingly. Keep your voice calm and be very gentle with them.
Step 4: Seek Veterinary Care Immediately
Even small punctures can quickly turn into serious infections. An emergency evaluation with a veterinarian should be mandatory, even if your dog seems okay. There may be damage under the skin that is not visible to your eyes.
Why Dog Bites Should Never Be Ignored
Even a small bite wound can lead to serious complications if left untreated. Dog mouths are full of bacteria, and puncture wounds often trap infection below the skin's surface. You may not see a lot of bleeding, but that doesn’t mean the damage isn’t significant. If a bite breaks the skin, the risks include infection, abscess formation, torn tissue, and internal injuries.
How Veterinarians Treat Dogs that Have Been Bitten
A veterinary team will take bite wounds seriously. When you bring your dog in after a bite, they will perform several or all of the following:
- Clean and disinfect wounds to prevent infection
- Assess the depth and damage of any injuries
- Prescribe antibiotics to treat or prevent infection
- Provide pain management to keep your pet comfortable
- Check for internal damage or deeper trauma using imaging if necessary
- Monitor for signs of abscess or complications in follow-up visits
A veterinarian can also give you guidance on how to keep bite wounds clean and monitor for any post-bite behavioral changes. They can discuss dog bite prevention methods that may help to prevent future incidents.
Veterinary Treatment for Dog Bites in Lake Charles, LA
Dog bite incidents can be scary, but with fast action and expert care, your dog can heal safely. Country Club Veterinary Clinic has emergency vet care available to treat dog bite wounds in pets from Lake Charles, Sulphur, Westlake, Iowa, Carlyss, Jennings, Orange, and neighboring areas. Has your dog been in a bite incident? Contact us right away for an urgent visit during our business hours.