My dog was bitten by a possum. He's vaccinated, no bleeding. What now?

I would recommend cleaning the wound with antibacterial soap and warm water tonight, then having your dog examined by a vet tomorrow to be safe - even if the wound is not actively bleeding, bite wounds from other animals have a high risk of becoming infected so she may need antibiotics to help prevent this. Your vet can also advise you of any rabies quarantine laws that may apply in your state - possums rarely carry rabies and if your dog is current on her vaccines she should be well-protected, but in some states an in-home observation period may be required to make sure there are no problems.

Poor Oddie! I’d definitely recommend getting him in to the vet. My main concern is for infection of those bite wounds- he’ll almost assuredly get some antibiotics (unless the wounds are much more shallow than I’m thinking). Your vet will also know more about local laws concerning reporting suspicious/rabid animals (if that is even a concern in your area). On that note, the Rabies vaccine is extremely effective so I have no concern for Oddie about that. If you can take him to an ER clinic tonight, that would be great. But if Oddie seems comfortable, it can probably wait until tomorrow. In that case, do flush the wounds with diluted iodine if you have it, warm soapy water (followed by plain warm water) if you don’t have it. If you have (or can get) an E-collar for Oddie, I’d put that on to prevent licking. If the collar is on, you may also put a triple antibiotic ointment (eg Neosporin) on the wounds until you can get to the vet tomorrow. Do not use if he can lick it off. This will not work long term but is a decent stop-gap until tomorrow. I do NOT recommend bandages or oral medication of any kind. Instead, leave the wounds open and use ice for pain and swelling control. Icing each spot for 5-10 mins every 4-8 hours will go a long way for both pain and swelling. Hope this helps and best of luck to you and Oddie!

Potentially yes. Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis could be caused by it. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is immediately essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics and possibly further investigations (like abdominal imaging as ultrasound or radiographs) may be needed. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

If Brownie has had his rabies vaccine, then the main risk is simple infection. You’ve already taken the first step but cleaning the wound and your vet will probably prescribe antibiotics. Other than that, there is not much to worry about. Best of luck to you and Brownie!

It's good Rosie is up to date on all her shots, rabies would be the most important one in this case. I'd have her seen by a vet in the morning. I would be concerned this could become infected, and she will need antibiotics to prevent an infection. Tonight, wash the bite marks with warm water and antiseptic soap. I hope this helps!

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If Athena does not have any wounds, swellings, lameness or painful spots when you touch her, she most likely was not bitten. Possum bite can cause tissue damage and potentially serious infections, so if you see any deep wounds or scratches on your Athena, you should take her to your local vets for an appointment.

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.