My dog has a suspicious bite or wound. How do I treat it at home?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor girl! This actually look more like a scab from some mild trauma. While I do not see evidence of a bite in that picture, that is still possible and an examination would be needed to determine that for sure. Because it is small and mild, I think it would be ok to treat at home. You may apply a thin film of triple antibiotic ointment on the affected area twice daily for 5 days. If this does not improve or resolves, have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. There is a very good chance that this will improve quickly. However, if you notice any signs of worsening, like severe swelling, have her evaluated. Good luck and have a great day!

This presentation could be due to a trauma (bite wound) and/ or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may be continued at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths (twice daily). I would recommend to shave fur around the wound (clippers are best as if you do it with scissors you may injury him) to be able to clean the area best as possible. After cleaning you can dry it up and apply any cream containing zinc oxide (like sudocream). Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

It looks like an insect bite or a small puncture wound. I suggest using a damp warm washcloth and mild soap to clean the area, wipe away all the soap and dry it well. Keep an eye on it and if it does not improve significantly in the next day or so, get him in to see you vet.

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). Ideally a check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. The area must be clipped more and disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths (twice daily). Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking (if any). Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

I am sorry to hear about your dog! I would recommend bringing him in to his vet to examine the wound if it is not improving. It probably needs to be shaved and cleaned (I cannot see the actual wound in the photo so assume it is covered in fur and the wet area on the cheek). Often bites are puncture wounds and are deep and sometimes do require antibiotics to treat infection.

I'm sorry this happened but you must understand this is a very serious wound and should be treated by your local veterinarian. She should be on oral antibiotics. No matter is what is applied to this topically, it will not heal if she continues to chew at it. You will need to either keep it bandaged (provided she does not chew the bandage off) or get her a cone collar like this one until it is healed. Be sure to get the appropriate size. The collar must go past the end of the nose or she will still be able to chew at the wound. ( https://www.amazon.in/Generic-Elizabethan-Healing-Medical-Protective/dp/B01LZHVWWF/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1524316661&sr=8-3&keywords=elizabethan+collar+for+dogs ) You can try this wound spray. I still suggest you have a veterinarian look at this wound to prescribe some more effective treatment than what you can provide at home. ( https://www.amazon.in/Himalaya-Scavon-Spray-100-ml/dp/B01NGYKEPQ/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_2?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1524316862&sr=1-2-fkmr0&keywords=oxytetracycline+spray+dog ) Try your best to keep flies and other insects away from the wound or she may get maggots. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Quite frankly, take him to the vet. They can properly assess the damage done, treat the wound and prescribe antibiotics to treat infection. A wound may not look deep from the surface, but it can be hard to tell how much damage is beneath the surface.