My dog was bit in a fight. Does he need stitches? Can I treat at home?

There is not much more you can do from home. I would keep the dogs separated for now until you can figure out why they got into a fight. If you are unable to take your dog to the vet to be stitched up, continue to keep the wound clean and dry and try to keep it from getting infected. It will obviously take much longer to heal if stitches are needed. There may be scarring and permanent hair in that area as well. If Gizmo seems to be lethargic, feverish or stops eating, this could indicate that the infection has spread into his bloodstream. If you notice any of the symptoms you need to take him to the vet immediately. I hope this helps. Best of luck.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Thor! Based on your picture, I think Thor needs stitches. It will heal faster and with a less chance for infection if you take him to the Vet. If you absolutely can not take him, the fur should be shaved away, the wound cleaned with a mild soap and water twice daily and a triple antibiotic applied twice daily after cleaning. He would need to wear an E-collar to prevent licking or a T-shirt. You can also call your local SPCA and see if they have a low cost Veterinary Clinic. I hope this helps and I wish Thor a speedy recovery!

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!

Stitches are rarely placed in bite wounds for future reference. I don't think these would need stitches anyway. The foot does look swollen - I suggest you soak it in warm epsom salt water for 5 minutes 2-3 times per day. If after 3-4 days it is looking worse and/or he is not walking on it then he needs to see a vet. You can use this spray on the wounds themselves: https://www.allivet.com/p-2863-vetericyn-plus-wound-and-skin-care-spray.aspx

If they are play fighting a lot, then you may have to keep them separated until the wound can heal. 1. Clip the hair away from the wound using buzzing-type clippers, not scissors or a razor. This is so you can monitor the wound and keep the hair out of the way to help with healing. 2. Disinfect the wound once with peroxide or a first aid chlorhexidine wound soap. Do not continue to use peroxide, or alcohol, as this will delay healing. 3. Apply an antibacterial ointment, such as Neosporin, twice daily. If needed to clean the wound, use a warm wet wash cloth to gently wipe away any dried fluid. 4. Prevent all licking or scratching of the wound by using an e-collar or dog booties or socks. 5. See a vet if your pet experiences prolonged lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or a rectal temperature over 103, or if there is creamy discharge or discharge with a foul odor, or there is swelling around the wound.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear and see Cheech has been injured. Unfortunately, dog bites can deteriorate very fast after the bacteria introduced into the skin and deeper multiply and cause problems. You should get him to a vet in your area for evaluation and treatment. Surface cleaning is important but bacteria have been drawn deeper into the skin and what is called the subcutaneous layers of the body. That infection can then spread and cause swelling, pain, and other problems that can rapidly deteriorate. Plus any type of bite like this, whether it from a dog/cat or some form of wildlife where the rabies status is unknown, a rabies booster should be administered to boost immunity. Your vet can evaluate the injuries and then advise treatment which sometimes will involve sedation/anesthesia due to extreme pain when treating. They can then start treatment which can include antibiotics, anti inflammatory meds, pain meds, topical wound care, E-collars to prevent self mutilation, etc. Again I would seek vet care immediately for Cheech. He will feel much better and so will you. Good Luck

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Based on the photo you provided, it appears as though Stitch has an abrasion that may be secondarily infected. It does not look very deep based on the photo. If you are unable to get to a veterinarian to have this looked at right away, you can use a diluted solution of betadine and saline (mixed together until you have a light brown liquid) and use this to clean the abrasion of any contaminants. Once clean, you can then use a topical cream such as Sentry Topical Wound cream (applied to the area twice daily until resolved) found at your local Petco. I would also recommend that you use a plastic cone around his head to help prevent him from rubbing his head, which would further worsen the area. If this does not improve or it worsens, I would then recommend having a veterinarian examine Stitch so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns ad I would be more than happy to help you further.