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My dog was bitten in a fight. What first aid can I give for the wound?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Toy Poodle | Female | unspayed | 10 lbs

hello. ok this poodle is my roommates dog. has 2. anyway last night the 2 of them got into a huge fight. and Misty girl has a bite on her front shoulder it looks like a slice. it's about 1/2 inch long and its pealed back top skin loose. how can I help this heal up? it's to late for stitches ect.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Megan, DVM, CVA

Veterinarian

Published on June 5th, 2017

I am so sorry that Misty girl got into a fight. It sounds like the wound is large enough that it likely needs stitches and likely isn't too late. I would strongly recommend contacting your vet for an exam and treatment. If it is small enough, they may be able to place staples and help it heal. But she will likely also need oral antibiotics to help it heal as wounds from other dogs usually get infected because dogs have a lot of nasty bacteria in their mouths. Until you can get her to the vet, I would also recommend that you keep her from licking or scratching it. You can use a small t-shirt (depending on its location) or an e-collar (the lampshade collars found at a pet store). I hope she starts feeling better soon!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on February 25th, 2019
Ouch, poor Princess! That doesn't look deep enough to require stitches, so I'd keep an eye on it for now. Wash it with warm water and antiseptic soap. To keep her from licking at it, you can put an Ecollar on her. You can get one at a pet store or make one at home. Keep the wound clean and dry, and monitor it for signs of infection. If you see redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, or pus, then it is infected and she will need to see the vet for antibiotics to treat it. I hope this helps!
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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