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My dog's bite wound is open and bleeding after vet. Is it normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | neutered | 6 years and 9 months old | 18 lbs

My dog got attacked by another dog yesterday and he as been to the vet to have his wounds treated, and he has a few staples. I noticed one wound near his underarm area that appears to be completely open and has been bleeding a little. I am not sure how concerned I should be about this, and if I should take him back in on Monday, or should I be covering it. I did not measure the size of it, but he’s an 18 lb yorkie x mini poodle mix and I included a picture that shows his broader shoulder area.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 29th, 2020

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.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Just to add. You should flush these wounds once daily as well. Don't use any hydrogen peroxide or any other type of flush besides sterile saline and do not apply any topical ointments to this area. Best of luck and take care.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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