My dog's bite wound is oozing pus. Does he need urgent vet care?

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It sounds like the bite wound has become infected. Bite wounds typically require the attention of a veterinarian. If the wound is deep enough, it may require stitches and prescription antibiotics if it is infected. Depending on your local animal control and rabies laws, your puppy may need a rabies vaccine now and then a booster in 6 months. I would be sure to have Puppy seen by a veterinarian right away so he can have this wound evaluated.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It sounds like this wound that became a lump that is oozing fluid has become an abscess, or a pocket of infected fluid. Abscesses form when infection is trapped under the skin or within tissues such as fat or muscle. The bacteria will try to find a way out, so they can break through the skin and create a "draining tract" of pus. This should be addressed by your veterinarian, who will likely drain the abscess and open it up to allow continuous drainage. Antibiotics for at least 2 weeks will be needed, along with pain medications. Depending on the size of the wound/abscess, a bandage may be needed. I hope this is helpful! Thank you for seeking care for your Luna!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This lump you describe could potentially be something like an abscess for example. However, other things are possible. If there is really an abscess, this should not be treated at home. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. If an abscess was noted, further local therapy with drainage and antibiotics would be recommended. Good luck and best wishes!

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.

It sounds like Cujo has developed an abscess from this bite, and he needs veterinary attention now for it. The abscess needs to be drained and flushed sterilely, and he will need antibiotics to treat the infection. Please take him into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website.

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.

Tasha needs to visit her veterinarian in order to treat this properly. She has an abscess or deep pocket of infection that needs to be properly flushed out and then she will require a prescription antibiotic that she will take for 1-2 weeks to treat the infection. It is also important that the veterinarian examine her teeth as this is a common site for an abscessed tooth to be the underlying cause of the abscess. It is possible that she may need a tooth extraction or other dental work. Treating this with peroxide alone is not going to clear up the infection. Please see your regular veterinarian ASAP. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.