My dog's bite wound is swollen. Is it infected? What should I do?

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.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Pogo. You can try applying warm compresses such as a warm washcloth to the wound for 3-5 mins up to 3 times per day if he will tolerate it. The swelling may be the result of local tissue damage or it could be from an abscess starting to form under the skin. This is a common side effect with bite wounds. The teeth inoculate bacteria deep under the skin when a dog is bit. The bacteria become trapped as the overlying skin rapidly heals. This will create the abscess. I hope this information helps!

If there is swelling and it feels hot to the touch and painful then these are signs that infection is present (bite wounds/punctures are unfortunately prone to infeciton) and oral antibiotics are likely needed. I would make an appointment with your vet to get the wound examined. In the meantime, applying an ice pack to the area for 10 minutes every few hours may provide some relief to the pain (be sure to wrap the ice pack in a thin cloth/towel so it isn't directly on the skin).

Thank you for submitting your question. I'm sorry to hear about the dog fight. I'm concerned that her face is still swollen this many days after the fight. There is a chance an abscess has now formed. Bacteria are introduced under the skin with the bite. The skin tends to heal over the wound trapping the bacteria under the skin. If the infection grows, a swelling known as an abscess forms. This will likely require antibiotics, if not surgery to heal. Your dog will need to see a veterinarian. In the meantime, you can try warm compresses at home. Apply a warm washcloth to the swollen area for 5 minutes three times per day. I hope this information!

Hi, it is difficult for us to judge wether the swelling can impair Max airways without seeing him.. also a bit risky ! My concern is that it seems like a few days have passed already and Max has not been treated with any medications, the infection seems to be obviously spreading... so I think you should get him seen sooner ! I just think about when I had an abscess... it is sooo painful ! Hope you can arrange an earlier appointment.! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach and I hope Max gets better soon.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to see that Savie is having a problem. This looks like a pustule or pus filled pimple. It could also be a cyst or other swelling. This could certainly be from an insect sting, spider bite, puncture wound, skin infection, etc. I would advise warm compressing the area 2-3 times daily with a warm cloth to see if you can get the area to come to a head and drain. You could also try placing some warm water and Epsom Salts in a basin and make her stand in the water for 5-10 minutes a few times daily. You may need to get her an E collar to prevent her from licking it and prevent the healing. If this lesion gets worse, spreads, or other signs develop, please have your vet take a look at her. They can get a detailed history and perform a physical exam. Diagnostics probably won't be needed unless the situation changes. Your vet can advise you on a sound treatment approach if needed. Good luck with Savie and I hope this resolves without complication

Poor guy. The fluid that you describe certainly sounds like infection. I would try to schedule a sooner appt with your regular vet to get Louie on another stronger type of antibiotic to help resolve this. For now you can flush the area with Betadine diluted 50:50 with warm water to help reduce the bacteria load until you can get him seen by your vet. He should be able to heal well after changing antibiotics. Best wishes with Louie moving forward. Take care.