Was Your Dog Bitten by Another Dog?

Knowing what to do if your dog has been bitten by another dog can help you to avoid panic and can provide you with a clear framework for getting your beloved pet veterinary help as quickly as possible. At Family Pet Medical Center, we have the skilled staff members and the tools needed to help a dog bitten by another dog. Our Fort Lauderdale animal hospital can provide the emergency care you need when you and your dog need it most.

What to Do First

If your dog has been bitten by another dog, removing your pet from the situation should be the first step in protecting your dog from further injury. If your dog is able to walk, using a leash to guide your pet away can stop the altercation. For a dog bitten by another dog and unable to walk, carrying your pet away from the other dog is usually the best way to proceed.

While on the scene, get the name and contact information of the other dog’s owner. You should also ask whether the other dog is current on rabies vaccinations. This can save time when you arrive at your Fort Lauderdale animal hospital. Take note of where the bite occurred as well. If the dog bite took place on someone else’s property, you may be able to file a claim against their homeowner’s insurance to recover some of your veterinary expenses.

Seeking Veterinary Attention

Even if the bite does not seem serious, it is important to call your Fort Lauderdale animal hospital as soon as possible. In most cases, a dog bitten by another dog should be taken to the veterinarian as quickly as possible. The team at Family Pet Medical Center offers emergency care and will meet you at the office to provide a fast assessment of the dog bite and to provide immediate treatment for a dog bitten by another dog.

Even the smallest and most minor surface punctures could be masking severe tissue damage. Bite punctures are also very susceptible to infection. Taking your pet to the veterinary office as quickly as possible after a dog-bite injury can allow prompt diagnosis of any hidden injuries and can reduce the risk of an infection and further injury to your pet.

Transporting your pet after an injury of any type can be challenging. If you can, wrap your dog in a large towel and use extreme caution when moving or driving to the veterinarian’s office. Injured pets can lash out in painful situations. By shielding yourself with the towel and using it to provide comfort for your dog, you can reduce the risk of injury to you or further harm to your pet. This can make your trip to the vet easier on you and your canine companion.

What to Expect at the Vet

Once a dog bitten by another dog arrives at a Fort Lauderdale animal hospital, your team of veterinary professionals will assess the dog’s condition and will visually inspect the area of the bite. If your dog is in pain, it may be necessary to offer pain medication or to put the dog under anesthesia for the assessment. The fur around the bite may need to be shaved to allow the entire area to be treated with antibacterial solutions.

Serious injuries may require X-rays or ultrasound scans to determine the extent of the damage. Your veterinarian will let you know if these tests are required to assess your pet’s injury. This is especially important if your dog was bitten on the chest or stomach area.

Depending on whether the dog that bit your dog is up-to-date on its rabies vaccinations, your dog may need a rabies vaccine booster or may be quarantined for 10 days. This is necessary to protect your dog’s health and to prevent the spread of rabies, which is a dangerous disease for both humans and animals.

Treatment After Your Veterinary Visit

Once your pet returns home, you may need to administer antibiotics as a preventive measure to stop infection. A “cone of shame” or Elizabethan collar may be applied to your dog to prevent biting at the site of the injury. At Family Pet Medical Center, we can also recommend less intrusive options that can allow your dog to eat and drink normally while preventing your dog from licking or biting at their wound. You should also schedule a follow-up visit with your veterinarian to make sure that your dog’s healing process goes smoothly.

If your dog is bitten by another dog, Family Pet Medical Center can help. We are a trusted Fort Lauderdale animal hospital with a proven reputation for quality pet care. To learn more or to schedule an appointment with our team, visit us online or call us at 954-953-4808. We look forward to the opportunity to serve you.