Why is my 8-week puppy's face swollen with painful wounds and scabs?

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear this. Dog attacks can be quite stressful. The main problem with bite wounds is that you have to let the wounds declare themselves before knowing exactly what is going to happen at the end. It sounds like Zara's wound got infected and has now formed an abscess. She can develop a fever from this and this can make her feel quite sick. Also, it would be ideal to know the true extent of her injuries. For this reason, I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Your veterinarian would be able to prescribe medications for pain control and also antibiotics to treat her infection which is the only way it can resolve. Good luck! Keeping my fingers crossed for a speedy recovery.

I am suspicious that he has An abscess (infection). In that location it could be from a tooth, or some sort of trauma or migrating foreign object. I would highly encourage you to have him evaluated by a veterinarian soon. This likely needs antibiotics, and possibly surgery as well. In the meantime I would warm compress the area several times a day. This may encourage the abscess to drain which is what we want. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon.

I would keep a close eye on it, but she doesn't need to be rushed to an emergency clinic unless she's lethargic, refusing to eat, or the swelling is getting noticeably worse. This could be something as mild as a bug bite or previously unnoticed injury (particularly if she happens to live with a cat, but she could have scrapped herself on something a few days ago without it being obvious). It could also be the start of something more serious called Puppy Strangles. Because of the possibility of Puppy Strangles, I would recommend a check up at the vet tomorrow (or an emergency clinic tonight if you notice the changes mentioned above). Here is some additional information about Puppy Strangles: https://www.caninejournal.com/puppy-strangles-treatment-cost/

Poor Bow! If she was bitten in the face and throat, she could have developed an abscess (a local pocket of infection) from the bites. This commonly happens from dog bites. It's quite serious that these areas have swollen up so much they look like a big balloon, and it could negatively affect her breathing. She absolutely has to see a vet today for this issue so she can be treated. Please bring her into a vet now. As for the fighting, if they both are not spayed, it could be related to hormones. I recommend discussing spaying both of them with your vet. I hope this helps!

I hate to hear that Kanny is uncomfortable. It sounds like she is having some type of allergic reaction. The facial swelling along with what may be hives indicate that she should go to the veterinarians office for diphenhydramine and dexamethasone injections. They will likely also put her on an over-the-counter antihistamine and potentially steroid tablets for a few days. if what you were describing as abscesses appear to be infected, she will likely also go on an antibiotic. Get her in right away before she scratches more sores on her body. In the meantime, a cool water bath may help to temporarily decrease the itch but ultimately she will likely need medications. Hope she feels better soon!

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!

Poor Xarina. This sounds like she had an initial puncture wound that has now turned into an abscess. This not only should be drained using sterile procedures through your vet but she will also need to be placed on antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medicaiton. This cannot be managed at home unfortunately. If you cannot get it your vet until morning, then placing a cold compress on the area for 5-10 minutes may help some. I would then allow it to drain on its own because this area is likely very sore and also you have the potential to cause transfer of bacteria into nearby vessels, which can cause sepsis if you don't follow up right away with some type of antibiotic or internal flush (usually under sedation). Letting you vet properly care for this on tomorrow is the best option for Xarina's care. There are many regular vet hospitals open on the weekend, so google search for some in your area. I hope that she is able to make a full and speedy recovery. Best of luck at the vet on tomorrow.