My puppy has a deep wound from an animal attack. Should I see a vet?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This looks like a fairly superficial wound at least based on this picture. However, it would still be a good idea to have him evaluated by a veterinarian to look at it more closely in case it is deeper than what it looks like. Also, these can be painful and can get infected so your veterinarian could potentially start antibiotics and pain control medications. If superficial, these wounds tend to respond well to therapy and heal relatively quickly. Good luck and have a good night!

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!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Duffy. If the wound is deep and/or long, then you need to take him into a vet immediately for stitches. If it is shallow and superficial, then you can treat it at home. I would gently clean his wound with warm water and antiseptic soap. To keep him from licking at it, you can put an Ecollar on him. 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 he will need to see the vet for antibiotics to treat it. I hope this helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! That wound looks deep. I don't know if oral antibiotics and topical medications will be enough to treat them. This wound may take weeks to heal but oral antibiotics will not be necessary the entire time. I recommend taking Cutie to a vet to explore the wound and see if surgical repair is a better treatment option. Also, not all oral antibiotics are treated the same so the ones you are using may not be beneficial for this wound. A vet can help determine the best treatment. Good luck and kisses to Cutie!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I agree with you, this wound does look deep enough that it would require stitches. Further local therapy wound include flushing, debriding and sutures and antibiotics would be recommended as well. I recommend that you have Maverick evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Usually these wounds are treatable and respond well to appropriate management. Your veterinarian would also be able to prescribe medications for pain as he is likely experiencing pain to some extent. Good luck and have a good night!

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.

Hi there, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. That appears to be full thickness through the skin, and would likely benefit from sutures. Additionally, bite wounds have a very high likelihood of becoming infected without systemic (oral) antibiotics, so Hazel should be seen by the vet to get started on antibiotics. Hope this helps.