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My dog's bite wound has yellow discharge. Infected or healing? Vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labradoodle | Male | neutered | 1 year and 3 months old | 60 lbs

Rumple was bitten by another dog on January 1st. Today on our walk I noticed that the puncture had some yellow to it. He is on antibiotics (listed in photo). Is it infected? Should I bring him to the vet? Or does it look to be healing normally? The picture where the cut is red without yellow, was taken yesterday.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jyothi Alagappan

Veterinarian

Published on January 4th, 2019

Hi and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am so sorry to hear Rumple was bitten by another dog. Based on the photos, it looks like the wound is draining a little, which is a good thing. However, I cannot say with certainty it is not still infected. Given Rumple was just started on antibiotics, he likely needs the full two weeks for it to heal. I would monitor for any pain or swelling in that area, worsening discharge or foul smelling odor or anything else concerning like incompetence, vomiting or diarrhea. If Rumple is otherwise OK, I would say it is fine to continue to monitor him and continue his previously prescribed medication.

In fact, I would send these photos to your veterinarian who looked at Rumple two days ago. They would be able to compare the photos and let you know if they think the wound has gotten worse or not.

I hope this has been helpful!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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