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Should I take my dog to the vet for a small bite?

Should I take my dog to the vet for a small bite?

Small puncture wounds from canine teeth can close over rapidly and can easily be missed. Therefore, if your dog has been in a fight with another animal, you should take him to your veterinarian for an examination as soon as possible. If you can see obvious bite wounds, you should seek immediate veterinary attention.

What do you do if your dog gets a small bite?

Very gently wash the bite wound with soap and water and pat dry. Use hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidene or betadine to dab the wound in order to help kill germs. (Note that the continued use of hydrogen peroxide on the wound is not recommended as it can interfere with the healing process).

Is it normal for dogs to bite their feet?

It is not uncommon for perfectly healthy dogs to occasionally bite, chew, or lick their paws during grooming. However, sudden, excessive, or chronic biting of the feet may indicate a health or behavioral condition that you want to address; this is especially true if other symptoms accompany it.

What happens when a small dog bites a big dog?

Besides the more obvious puncture wounds the smaller dog receives from the teeth, there are also often more serious, unseen injuries: brain and spinal cord injuries, and severe damage to internal organs. BDLD injuries are sometimes compared to an iceberg: The bigger, serious problems often lie below the surface.

Why do dogs go to the vet for a bite wound?

Bite Wounds in Dogs One of the most common reasons dogs see their veterinarians for emergency appointments is because of a bite wound. The bite wound may have been caused by another family dog or by a fight with a strange or unfamiliar animal. There are certain signs that require immediate emergency treatment.

How big does a dog have to be to bite a child?

The prognosis is also guarded if your dog weighs more than 50 lbs or so (although smaller dogs can still pose a significant threat), or if there are small children in the family and there is potential for your pet to direct the aggressive behavior toward a child.