Dog attacked: When to see a vet for wounds and pain management?

This is a medical emergency and your dog has to see a vet tonight if he's still bleeding and in a lot of pain. He likely needs stitches to close up his wound, and there is nothing safe you can give him at home for his pain. Many human pain medications are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. This wound can become severely infected if left untreated, and he will still be in a lot of pain. I would let your mother know you spoke to a veterinarian who told you that he has to see a vet now. Your mom can check to see if there is an ER vet clinic in your area; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. Please take him into a vet now.

Poor Viper! I don't recommend giving over the counter pain medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen or Tylenol as these can have serious side effects in animals. It will also limit the type of pain medication that your veterinarian can prescribe and may result in Viper not getting adequate pain control. Unfortunately there is nothing over the counter that can be given to dogs for pain control, so if he is acting very painful, I would recommend taking him to a vet tonight if you can. If you are unable to, I would recommend taking him as soon as you can tomorrow. Most bite wounds will get infected and they almost always need oral antibiotics. The veterinarian will also make sure the wound isn't worse than it looks. Bite wounds can appear small on the surface, but can penetrate deeper than what we see or tear the skin from underlying tissue so that a pocket is created under the skin. These pockets can fill up with blood or pus and need to be drained. Good luck and I hope that Viper is feeling better soon!

I would strongly recommend that you take OJ to a vet. Dog bites are very nasty, and get infected quite easily. They often require oral prescription antibiotics and pain medications. Unfortunately, it is illegal for me to prescribe medications without physically examining OJ, and there aren't OTC pain medications that are safe for dogs. You can help him by getting him to rest, bringing food and water to him, and keeping the wound clean. Just use a warm wet washcloth or gentle water spraying, don't use alcohol or peroxide on the wound.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I highly recommend that you have both of your pups evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. These wounds can get infected very easily. Also, it is crucial to check if any of these wounds need further local therapy such as stitches. Your veterinarian could also start pain medications as usually lacerations like that are painful. Good luck and have a good day!

Ouch, your poor pup! You need to take him into the vet as soon as possible. It needs to be cleaned sterilely, he may need x-rays to see if there are any possible broken bones, he needs antibiotics to prevent an infection, some of the cuts may need sutures, and he will need pain medication. Please do not give him any human pain medications, as many are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. The vet will determine the appropriate treatment needed. Please take him into one now.

Poor Paco. Yes take him into a vet immediately. If he won't put pressure on his leg, he's in a lot of pain and unfortunately there are no pain relievers you can give him. Many human ones are toxic to dogs and can be fatal if given. I'd take him into a vet now. I hope this helps!

Oh dear, poor Jack! Dog bite wounds can become infected quickly and can cause far more damage under the skin than is visible on the surface. I strongly recommend taking Jack to his vet for evaluation since surgery can be necessary for many bite wounds to assure that the wound is clean, tissue is healthy, and that underlying organs and structures have not been damaged. The vet will also likely prescribe antibiotics (cephalexin, cefpodoxime, amoxicillin-clavulinic acid are typically used in these cases) and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (such as carprofen, deracoxib, or meloxicam) if his liver and kidney blood values are normal. The vet will also likely recommend an e-collar (cone) to prevent Jack from licking or scratching at the wound, unless the collar would directly rub on the wound and cause further irritation. I hope this helps and that Jack feels better soon!