My dog's leg is swollen and painful after a dog bite. What should I do?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Bleu. Poor boy. I agree, his toe looks super swollen. This could be due to an infection, but depending on what bit him, he could have been bitten hard enough to cause a break in the bone, leading to the swelling. It could also be due to an insect bite. I would have him seen by a vet today or tomorrow. The vet can diagnose what is causing this swelling, and can treat him. I hope this helps!

This looks like a severe bite wound and it would need to be examined by a veterinarian. This wound needs to be cleaned and disinfected and your dog will need pain medicine and antibiotics, Please take Tyson to a veterinarian for wound care. The swelling may be a sign of a fracture or infection.

Appropriate wound care, pain relief medication and systemic antibiotic must be provided for this type of wound. The wound must be flushed and disinfected and possibly stitched up if required. I would strongly recommend an immediate check up at your local veterinarian.

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear this. Dog attacks can be quite stressful. The main problem with bite wounds is that you have to let the wounds declare themselves before knowing exactly what is going to happen at the end. It sounds like Zara's wound got infected and has now formed an abscess. She can develop a fever from this and this can make her feel quite sick. Also, it would be ideal to know the true extent of her injuries. For this reason, I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Your veterinarian would be able to prescribe medications for pain control and also antibiotics to treat her infection which is the only way it can resolve. Good luck! Keeping my fingers crossed for a speedy recovery.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to see that Savie is having a problem. This looks like a pustule or pus filled pimple. It could also be a cyst or other swelling. This could certainly be from an insect sting, spider bite, puncture wound, skin infection, etc. I would advise warm compressing the area 2-3 times daily with a warm cloth to see if you can get the area to come to a head and drain. You could also try placing some warm water and Epsom Salts in a basin and make her stand in the water for 5-10 minutes a few times daily. You may need to get her an E collar to prevent her from licking it and prevent the healing. If this lesion gets worse, spreads, or other signs develop, please have your vet take a look at her. They can get a detailed history and perform a physical exam. Diagnostics probably won't be needed unless the situation changes. Your vet can advise you on a sound treatment approach if needed. Good luck with Savie and I hope this resolves without complication

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I don’t think that looks like a bite wound. It looks more like a growth that has ruptured. I recommend having a vet look at it. If he is licking it, it is infected and needs antibiotics. If he isn’t walking and he is licking it, it is painful. A closer look by a vet may locate a cause. Good luck and kisses to Guero!

If there is swelling and it feels hot to the touch and painful then these are signs that infection is present (bite wounds/punctures are unfortunately prone to infeciton) and oral antibiotics are likely needed. I would make an appointment with your vet to get the wound examined. In the meantime, applying an ice pack to the area for 10 minutes every few hours may provide some relief to the pain (be sure to wrap the ice pack in a thin cloth/towel so it isn't directly on the skin).