My dog fought a possum and has an open wound. Should I call the vet?

You should take him to your vet to check how deep the bite wound is, the main concern is an infection that will probably occur if it is left untreated, the vet will prescribe an antibiotic course to prevent that.

Hello. This is excellent advice, but I doubt you will need to place Ruby on antibiotics. Possum are very rarely implicated in the spread of disease, including rabies, so I would not be concerned at all. She should be just fine. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Opossums can carry several diseases, but there isn't much a vet would do right now since Ash isn't having any symptoms of disease. I would recommend continuing on like normal. If she starts acting irregularly, or has a change in appetite or bowel or urinary movements, then it is time to see a vet. If paying for a vet is an issue, you can see if your vet accepts payment plans, if there is a low cost clinic in your area, or you can apply for Care Credit online. There is also an organization called Red Rover that give grants for treatment of sick animals, and you can see if you qualify for one of their grants. Best Friends also has a list of resources that offer financial assistance on their website. http://www.humanesociety.org/.../trouble_affording_pet... https://www.redrover.org https://www.carecredit.com http://bestfriends.org/resources/financial-aid-pets http://lessonsfromaparalyzeddog.com/when-pet-owners-cant.../ http://www.dogheirs.com/resources-affordable-veterinary.../

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.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I highly recommend that you have both of your pups evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. These wounds can get infected very easily. Also, it is crucial to check if any of these wounds need further local therapy such as stitches. Your veterinarian could also start pain medications as usually lacerations like that are painful. Good luck and have a good day!

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.

I recommend cleaning all of the wounds with hydrogen peroxide. Then apply a thin film of antibacterial ointment on them. Keep him quiet so he can rest and heal. Dog fight wounds get infected easily so please make sure to bring him right in tomorrow morning for treatment. If needed they can close the small laceration and get him on oral antibiotics to prevent infection. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Dexter.