Dog bit by raccoon days ago, licking wound, no signs. What to do?

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!

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.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Kona. Poor girl. I would gently clean her wound with warm water and antiseptic soap. To keep her from licking at it, you can put an Ecollar on her. You can get one at a pet store or make one at home. Keep the wound clean and dry, and monitor it for signs of infection. If you see redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, or pus, then it is infected and she will need to see the vet for antibiotics to treat it. I hope this helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Takoda! I would try to shave all the fur away from the area and check closely for other wounds. Then clean the skin with water and a mild soap. Avoid hydrogen peroxide as it can damage the skin. Then apply a triple antibiotic ointment twice daily. If there is a large full thickness gash or puncture it is best to have Takoda seen by a Vet to see if surgery is warranted or oral antibiotics. I hope this helps and I wish Takoda the best!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is likely infected. I think it would be best to have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check the extent of the wounds and see what would be best to treat them. What you can do in the meantime is use an e-collar in the to prevent further injury. You can buy that at your local pet store or online. Good luck and have a great day!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Bingley. Oh no, poor boy. No he may not need to be euthanized, but he needs to see a vet immediately to get a rabies vaccine and be quarantined for the next 10-14 days. Please take him into a vet immediately. Best of luck.

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