A quick growl. A flash of teeth. A sudden yelp. Dog bites can happen in seconds, even between pets that usually get along. Dog bite wounds should always be treated seriously and require veterinary attention. Even seemingly small punctures can lead to infection or swelling. North Powers Animal Hospital will walk you through what to do if your dog gets bitten and some tips for preventing dog fights.
Why Dog Bite Wounds Should Never Be Ignored
A dog’s mouth harbors bacteria, and their bite force can do more damage than you might think. Even if all you see is a minor-looking wound, your canine pet may have or develop:
- Deep tissue trauma
- Internal bleeding
- Nerve damage
- Abscesses or pus-filled pockets
- Serious infection
Puncture wounds often close over quickly, trapping bacteria underneath the skin and creating a perfect environment for infection to set in. Waiting “just to see” can result in more pain, more treatment, and more risk. When it comes to bite injuries, take your dog to see a vet, no matter whether or not you see any visible harm.
What to Do If Another Dog Bites Your Pet
If your dog is bitten unexpectedly, stay calm and take the following steps:
- Separate the Dogs: Avoid putting your hands or other body parts near the dogs’ mouths. Separation should involve water, a barrier, or some method that does not involve putting yourself in physical danger.
- Get Contact Information: Ask for the contact info from the other owner. You will want to know the rabies vaccine status of the other dog.
- Check for Injuries: Look for punctures, bleeding, swelling, or signs of limping. Be gentle. Pain may make your dog reactive.
- Call the Vet: Don’t try to just treat bite wounds at home. A veterinarian will evaluate the injury and prevent dangerous complications.
When you bring your dog in for emergency care after they have been bitten, a veterinary team will perform an evaluation, which may involve internal imaging. They will clean and flush any visible wound thoroughly to remove bacteria. If needed, a vet can provide antibiotics, pain relief, anti-inflammatory care, and other treatments.
Tips for Owners on Preventing Bite Incidents
While not all bite incidents are avoidable, bite prevention strategies can reduce the risk.
Know Dog Body Language
Learn to spot early signs of stress or fear: stiff posture, growling, tail tucked, lip licking, or avoidance.
Supervise Social Interactions
Always monitor your dog during interactions with unfamiliar pets, especially in busy environments like parks.
Avoid High-Stress Scenarios
Tired, hungry, or overstimulated dogs are more likely to react aggressively. Give your dog space and downtime when needed.
Use Leashes and Controlled Intros
Introduce dogs slowly and on leash. Avoid face-to-face greetings right away.
Keep Up with Training and Socialization
Positive reinforcement training and gradual social experiences build confidence and reduce fear-based aggression.
Professional Veterinary Care for Dog Bites in Colorado Springs, CO
A dog bite can be traumatic, but with fast, professional care, most dogs recover fully. The sooner your pet is examined and treated, the better the outcome. North Powers Animal Hospital has compassionate urgent care for dog bite wounds in Colorado Springs or for pets in neighboring areas like Monument and Falcon. If your dog has been bitten, contact us during business hours for an emergency appointment.