Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog was bitten, has puncture wounds, not eating. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Male | neutered | 2 years and 2 months old | 7 lbs

I have a 7lb terrier, with 2 puncture wounds . He was bitten 2 days ago.. He is drinking water but will not eat.. He was throwing up the first day.. He is moving around but slowly. What can I do to help ease the pain? He will not let me touch him around the affected area.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on July 9th, 2017

The pain is an issue but the most important issue at the moment is the infection he has developed, you must take him to the vet ASAP, he will need a course of antibiotics and pain killers (you can't use human pain killers for dogs).
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Bette Isacoff

    Dog Trainer

    Any puncture wounds should be seen by the vet. They can close superficially and develop abscesses underneath. Additionally, Sammy may need antibiotics. Please have him examined and treated as soon as possible. It is important that his rabies shot is up-to-date, especially if you don't know what bit him. Do not give any human pain (or any other) medicine to a dog, as it can do more harm than good.

    Vote Icon

    0Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Health & Wellness
My puppy was bitten by mom, injured, in pain, not eating. What to do?
From the sound of it, she is severely injured and is probably in great pain as well, you will need to take her to the vet, she will probably need an antibiotic course and possibly some pain killers as well.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My dog was bitten by a street dog, now sick and won't eat. What to do?
Dollar is suffering from a severe infection due to the attack and is also most probably very very painful. you must take him to the vet urgently he will need a course of antibiotics and pain killers.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Puppy bitten, not eating, can't walk. When should I see a vet?
You must take him to the vet urgently, dog bites always get infected and that is probably why he is showing those symptoms. it is also very painful and he will probably need pain killers as well as an antibiotic course in order to fight the infection.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Dog acting strange, not eating/drinking after dog bite. What's wrong?
It can definitely be the cause, a bite wound can be very painful and tend to get infected very fast, which can cause swelling and more pain. he will need to get it checked by a vet and will probably need antibiotics and pain killers.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Why is my dog in pain, not eating, and aggressive after a bite?
Thank you for submitting your question regarding Tiger. I recommend that he sees a veterinarian today. If he is crying out and trying to bite, I suspect that he is very painful. He may require pain medication or even antibiotics depending on the extent of his wounds. In the meantime, try to encourage him to eat and drink as close to normal as possible. I hope you are able to get him care today. Good luck!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Injured dog won't eat after fight. Should I see an emergency vet?
I am definitely concerned about Huerra's bite wounds. The wounds on her leg look deep, and I always recommend flushing and exploring bite wounds under sedation since often there is even more damage under the surface. I would recommend seeing an emergency veterinarian. They would be able to prescribe pain medication and antibiotics to prevent infection as well.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My dog was bit, small punctures, acting normal. Do I need a vet?
Ouch! I would take him to the vet just in case as there may be other puncture marks hidden by hair, or the wounds may need to be cleaned more deeply and given a course of antibiotics and pain meds to prevent infection and discomfort. I would also keep an Elizabethan (cone) collar on King if it doesn't rub against any wounds to prevent him from bothering them and causing more irritation.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Related Searches

Dog FoodDog SuppliesDog Pain Medicine & ReliefDog Health & WellnessDog Pain Relief & Arthritis MedsDog Bandages & Wound CareDog Medicine and PrescriptionsDog First Aid & RecoveryPrescription Dog AntibioticsElectrolytes for DogsWet Dog FoodPrescription Dog Digestive MedicationsPrescription Flea & Tick Medicine for DogsPrescription Dog Insulin & Diabetes MedicationDog Anxiety MedicationHeartworm Medicine for DogsDog Blood Pressure MedicationAntifungal Medication for DogsDog Vitamins & SupplementsAt-Home Dog Vaccines
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Share

Styled arrow button