Dog bite another dog is one of the most common reasons dogs see their veterinarians for emergency appointments is a bite wound.
As devoted pet owners, we cherish the love and companionship our furry friends bring into our lives. However, just like humans, dogs can sometimes find themselves in less-than-pleasant situations, including the occasional dog-to-dog altercation. Whether your dog has been bitten by another canine or, regrettably, has bitten another dog, knowing how to handle these situations is crucial for both your pet’s well-being and your peace of mind.
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In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the steps to take when faced with these two distressing scenarios. First, we will explore what to do if another dog bites your precious pup, offering insights on immediate care and long-term safety measures. Then, we will delve into the actions you should take if your dog is the one who has bitten another dog, outlining responsible and compassionate ways to manage the situation.
Our mission is simple: to ensure the safety, health, and happiness of your beloved four-legged companion while fostering responsible pet ownership within our community. So, let’s embark on this informative journey to equip ourselves with the knowledge and tools needed to handle dog bites effectively and responsibly.
What to Do When Another Dog Bites Your Dog
The bite may have occurred by another pet dog or by a fight with a strange or unknown street dog or a dog without a medical history.
Dogs are often inquisitive and social, so they interact with other dogs to communicate and play with them. However, some dogs are aggressive and fearful, which can bite your own pet.
If your dog has been bitten by another dog, it is mandatory to know what to do to make sure you can get the care for your dog needs.
Dog bites are always serious and require medical help from a licensed veterinarian, but knowing the proper steps to take immediately after a dog bite can help your pet recover faster.
To prepare you well, we have compiled a guide on what to do if your dog bites another dog.
Assessing Dog Bite
Dog bites can cause sizable injury to the skin and soft tissues of your dog.
Teeth and jaws are very powerful and the injuries they cause can crush or tear the muscles and skin.
When a giant breed dogs like Great Dane or Rottweiler bites a mini breed dogs like shit zu or Pug, the bite can penetrate through the chest wall and cause the lungs to collapse or cause serious or fatal damage to the intestinal organs.
Even a bite that does not break the skin can cause compression or injury to the underlying soft tissues.
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Bite injuries are usually on the legs or around the head and neck.
Important structures in the neck include the major blood vessels, nerves, esophagus, and trachea (windpipe).
Injuries to the face can cause severe damage to the eyes, ears or mouth. With bite wounds on the legs, there is a risk of injury to the joints.
As the dog’s mouth is full of bacteria, any bite that punctures the skin introduces bacteria or other infectious organisms under the skin surface, where the bacteria multiply and spread throughout the underlying tissue.
Therefore, all bite wounds are considered contaminated and / or infected. If left untreated, the bacteria in the infected bite can cause localized pus or more generalized cellulitis, which can spread through the surrounding area.
In rare cases, the penetrating bite can cause septic arthritis (joint infection), osteomyelitis (infection of the bone), pythrox (pus in the chest cavity) or septic peritonitis (pus in the abdominal cavity).
Dog Bite Types
Dog bites are classified by severity.
- Level 1 – No Skin Contact: In this lowest level of dog bites, the other dog’s teeth do not make any contact with your dog’s skin. This situation can occur during a brief scuffle or when one dog attempts to assert dominance without causing harm. While it may not result in physical injury, it’s essential to monitor your dog’s emotional state and ensure they are not traumatized by the encounter. Keep a close eye on their behavior in the following days to detect any signs of anxiety or fear.
- Level 2 – Skin Contact Without Breakage: At this level, the other dog’s teeth make contact with your dog’s skin but do not break it. It could happen during play or a minor disagreement between dogs. Even though there is no broken skin, it’s crucial to clean the area to prevent infection. Inspect your dog for any signs of discomfort or soreness. Be vigilant in observing both dogs’ body language to prevent any escalation in the future and to ensure that their interactions remain safe and harmonious.
- Level 3 – Shallow Puncture Wounds: Level 3 bites involve one to four shallow puncture wounds on your dog’s skin. These injuries may result from a more intense altercation or an aggressive encounter. It’s important to clean the wounds thoroughly with antiseptic and consult your veterinarian. Depending on the location and depth of the punctures, your dog may require stitches or antibiotics to prevent infection. Assess your dog’s overall well-being, as deeper emotional scars can occur from this level of aggression. Consider behavioral training or consultation with a professional to address any underlying issues that may have led to the altercation.
- Level 4 – Single Bite with Deep Puncture: In Level 4 bites, there is at least one deep puncture wound from a single bite. This type of injury often requires immediate medical attention, as deep puncture wounds can lead to infection and tissue damage. Your veterinarian may need to clean, disinfect, and possibly suture the wound. In some cases, drainage may be necessary. It’s essential to assess your dog’s emotional state after such an incident, as it can be traumatic. Behavioral intervention and training may be needed to prevent future aggressive encounters.
- Level 5 – Multiple Bites with Deep Punctures: This is the most severe level of dog bite, involving multiple bites, some of which have deep puncture wounds. Such injuries often result from a dog attack on another dog and can be life-threatening. Immediate emergency veterinary care is crucial to address wounds, control bleeding, and prevent infection. Recovery can be a lengthy process, requiring antibiotics, pain management, and even surgery in severe cases. Emotional trauma is a significant concern for both dogs involved, and professional behavioral intervention is essential to prevent future incidents and help the dogs cope with their experiences.
Check your dog’s breathing and heart rate
It is important to check his breathing and heart rate. Some bites can tear the diaphragm or puncture the lungs, making it difficult or difficult for dogs to breathe.
At this point, it is also important to check your dog for heart rate.
If your dog is not breathing and / or is not having a heartbeat, it is important to start giving Respiratory Breath (CPR) for dogs to jump breathing again.
If your dog has respiratory problems, it is important to take them to a licensed veterinarian immediately for treatment.
Control bleeding from wounds
If your dog is bleeding from a bite (s), it is important to control the bleeding as soon as possible.
To control bleeding, apply a clean towel, washcloth or fabric to the wound and apply constant, compressive pressure.
The dog will bleed profusely depending on the location of the bite. Within about five minutes of applying pressure to the bite, the bleeding should slow down significantly or stop completely.
Keep your dog calm
Once you have controlled the bleeding, it is very important to go to the vet as soon as possible so that your dog can get the medical help he or she needs.
Since your dog has just experienced a traumatic event and bite, he becomes anxious and tries to turn around.
This can cause more injury to the bite area, so it is important to keep your dog as calm as possible until you can take your dog to the vet so he does not injure himself further.
Take immediate veterinary care
If your dog has experienced dog bites, it is important that they be assessed immediately by a licensed veterinarian.
Once your dog has been evaluated by a licensed veterinarian, they can prescribe appropriate treatment based on the injury (s).
The veterinarian will thoroughly clean the wound to prevent infection and usually prescribe antibiotics for a small wound or insert a surgical canal or large wound.
When to meet a doctor for a dog bite
If the victim is bleeding from multiple injuries call 911 and seek emergency medical help.
Call a doctor if
- Bleeding does not stop even after 15 minutes.
- The bite broke the skin. A tetanus shot may be needed to reduce the chance of a tetanus infection, depending on when the victim last received the tetanus booster.
- The victim dog suffered from a wild or stray dog or you could not get immunity records from the animal from the owner.
- The victim dog has a weakened immune system due to illness (such as diabetes) or medical treatment (such as chemotherapy).
- You may notice signs of infection, including redness, swelling, warmth, or pus.
- Depending on the severity of the bite and the overall health of the victim dog, the doctor may prescribe antibiotic treatment to prevent or treat the infection.
- If a dog is suspected of having rabies, the infected dog needs a series of rabies vaccinations to prevent the disease from developing.
What should you do if your dog bites another dog?
If your dog ends up biting another dog, it’s important to know what steps to take to keep everyone safe and ensure peace in the doggy world. Let’s dive into this guide on what to do if your dog bites another dog, making it easy to understand and interesting for you and your furry friend.
Step 1: Separate the Dogs
The first thing to do is to separate your dog from the other one immediately. This helps prevent any further incidents and keeps everyone safe. You can use a leash, a physical barrier, or ask the other dog owner for help if necessary.
Step 2: Check for Injuries
Next, check both dogs for any injuries. Sometimes, bites can look minor but still need attention. Look for cuts, scratches, or puncture wounds on both dogs. If there are any injuries, seek veterinary care as soon as possible.
Step 3: Exchange Information
It’s essential to exchange information with the other dog owner. Get their contact details and make sure they have yours. This way, you can stay in touch and ensure that both dogs are up to date on their vaccinations.
Step 4: Observe Behavior
Keep a close eye on your dog’s behavior after the incident. Sometimes, a dog may feel anxious or stressed after a fight. If you notice any changes in your dog’s behavior, such as fearfulness or aggression, consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist for guidance.
Step 5: Prevent Future Incidents
Lastly, work on preventing future dog-on-dog altercations. Training and socialization are essential. Make sure your dog is well-behaved around other dogs and gradually reintroduce them to doggy friends in a controlled environment.
Wrapping up
Dog bites can happen, but knowing how to handle the situation can make a big difference. By separating the dogs, checking for injuries, exchanging information, observing behavior, and preventing future incidents, you’ll ensure a safer and happier environment for both your dog and others. Remember, dogs can learn from their experiences, and with the right guidance, they can become better-behaved furry pals.
