Dog bite wound: Should I bandage it or use a cone? Is oozing normal?

Poor guy. Bite wounds often are left open in small areas to allow the infection to drain out before it then heals over by 2nd intention healing. I would only suggest covering this with a loose t-shirt for now. As long as there are no signs of infection (yellow or purulent discharge with a foul odor) and no large gaping openings (typically >2 cm), then it should be ok to wait until Monday to get him checked again by your vet. Based on the picture I don't see any majorly open wounds there. You can safely flush this area with sterile saline from your local pharmacy to help keep infection at bay since the wounds are slightly open. But again, dog bite woulds can be left often for the first few days to allow draining to occur before things heal up on their own with granulation tissue that the body will make itself. I do hope that Aussie's wounds heal up well soon! Best of luck moving forward and take care.

If Tucker will not leave the wound alone, then an e-collar would be recommended. If it is possible that the wound is a bite wound, then I would recommend having your vet examine the area. Regardless of how well we keep a bite wound clean, they tend to get infected and require antibiotics. And since Tucker has been licking and chewing at the area, he may have gotten it infected himself. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that Tucker heals well. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Poor Louie! In general you want to leave the wound open for drainage. It’s important that the material can get out of his body. You can have him wear a loose fitting pair of children’s underwear which can help contain some of the mess but still allow for air circulation and leakage of the wound. Typically the wound will leak for 3 to 5 days. If Louis can get around the collar, I recommend to either buy him a new collar that is bigger/longer or to cut and tape paper plates around the edges to lengthen the collar so he cannot get around it. Having a bowel movement may be uncomfortable for him. The tramadol can also cause some constipation. I recommend to call his veterinarian who may adjust the dosage. Taking Louie for a walk can also help to stimulate the bowels. Lastly, feed him something like boiled white meat chicken and boiled plain white rice for the next 2-3 days. Add some additional warm water to help increase his fluid intake. Let the doctor know as well that he is not drinking well. Sometimes the medications can upset the tummy but the abscess likely doesn’t make him feel good either. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Poor Panda! Unfortunately the safest and most effective thing in this case is going to be the E-collar. Ask your vet for tips on sizing and securing it to Panda. In some cases, a little anti-anxiety medication or sedation for a day or two can really help him keep that cone on. If it is truly a small graze, it is likely to heal in the next couple days as long as he keeps away from it. I also recommend keeping him inside if at all possible for the next couple days.

Ideally, he should be physically examined by a veterinarian. Antibiotics may be indicated. IN the meantime, place an e-collar (cone) on him to prevent licking. Keep him separate from the other dog if possible. A small t-shirt may help prevent all licking if a cone or separation are not possible.

Place an e-collar (cone) on him to prevent further trauma. Have him examined by your veterinarian to diagnose infection or injury. Yoda may need both antibiotics and medication for pain or inflammation. If you can't take him just yet, clean the area with diluted betadine or chlorhexidine and place an e-collar on him. You can buy them in most pet stores. Monitor for resolution, but if gets worse or if he becomes lethargic or stops eating, get him to your vet.

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If you can keep the E-collar or onesie on him to prevent him from licking it should heal up just fine. Leave the E-collar/onesie on for at least 7-10 days. You do not need to apply anything to the incision; just leave it be. Hope this helps. Best wishes.