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My dog's face is swollen after a fight. Is home treatment enough?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dogs got into a fight Friday and one of my dogs face is swollen and her eye is there anything I can do at home

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ana M, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 3rd, 2018

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!

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jeffrey Milner
Veterinarian
Published on June 9th, 2017
Ouch! Dog fights can be stressful for the dogs and owners can't they? Depending on how deep the puncture wounds are, they should probably be thoroughly flushed and cleaned. In some cases, if they are communicating with one another internally a drain may need to be placed to allow for appropriate healing to occur. To help with the swelling, pain medications, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory medication should be prescribed by a veterinarian. While this is not necessarily an emergency if there is no significant active bleeding, the sooner Hershey gets some medication the sooner he will start to feel better. Also, the less likely there will be an infection if the antibiotics are obtained and started sooner.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Harrah White
Veterinary Technician
Published on March 28th, 2017
Wounds from a bite can be very serious and most times require antibiotics from your veterinarian. The swelling on his face could be a side effect from the trauma however the swelling could also be the start of an abscess due to the bacteria. Although veterinary care is the best solution of at this current moment is not an option keep the wound(s) clean from any dirt and you can try using warm compresses to the swelling
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on October 19th, 2018
It could be swelling from the bite, but there is a chance it could be due to infection. Without seeing him in person, I can't say for certain, but have a vet check it out if they have not already. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Debi Matlack
Veterinary Technician
Published on December 29th, 2020
He may have an infection under the skin, a salivary gland may have been damaged, he may have a bad tooth that may or may not be related to the fight, there are a number of possibilities. I recommend getting him in to see your vet as soon as possible since the swelling isn't getting better. The fact that his behavior and appetite haven't changed is good, but this needs to be examined to determine what's going on and what should be done about it.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Dog eye bitten and swollen after fight. What can I give my dog?

I am so sorry to hear about your dog. It sounds like you have done all you are going to be able to do for her at home. I would recommend a visit to the emergency vet if there is one in your area, if not see your vet first thing in the morning as she is likely going to need oral antibiotics as well as pain medication, and should have the eye examined to be sure there was no damage to the eye itself. Continue to ice the area to help with pain and swelling until she is seen. You can take a bag of frozen peas or corn and wrap in a thin cloth/towel (don't put the ice pack directly on the skin with no barrier in between) for 5-10 minutes every few hours if she will tolerate this. Do not give any over the counter pain medication because these can be poorly tolerated by dogs and may cause more harm than good.

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