020 8073 0500
Veterinary Emergency services at Home throughout London and Greater London and Manchester and Greater Manchester
Veterinary Emergency services at Home
throughout London and Greater London and Manchester and Greater Manchester

YOUR DOG HAS BEEN BITTEN

Back
dog bite

Degree of Urgency:
  • IMPORTANT
  • Depending on the severity of the wounds, veterinary care should be sought either immediately or within a few hours.

    • EMERGENCY PROCEDURE / FIRST AID MEASURES

  • Muzzle your dog or wrap them in a blanket or towel to prevent injury to yourself or anyone assisting you. Even the most docile animal may bite when in severe pain.
  • Assess the wound by carefully trimming the fur around the area (without letting hair fall into the wound). Even if the wound appears small, it may be more severe underneath, so a veterinary examination is necessary.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly or wear disposable gloves before handling the wound.
  • Rinse the wound abundantly with running water for several minutes to remove debris. A gentle stream under slight pressure will help clean the area. You can also use saline solution or bottled water.
  • Clean the wound with Marseille soap and rinse thoroughly again.
  • Disinfect the area using one of the following:
    ✅ Betadine ND / Vetedine ND
    ✅ A chlorhexidine-based antiseptic (without alcohol)
  • Cover the wound with a sterile compress and loosely bandage it to keep it protected. Use adhesive tape to secure the bandage.

    • IF THE BITE WAS CAUSED BY ANOTHER DOG OR ANIMAL:

  • Check the vaccination records (passport) of the biting animal to verify rabies vaccination status.
  • If the biting animal is a stray, notify local authorities (police or municipal office) to locate and observe the animal.
  • In rabies-infected areas, or if the biting animal comes from a high-risk country, the animal will need sanitary monitoring and possibly behavioral evaluation.

    • WHAT NOT TO DO

  • Do not use any products other than those recommended by a veterinarian.
  • Do not use alcohol-based solutions on the wound.
  • Do not squeeze the wound or attempt to extract deeply embedded material.
  • Do not use ether or other solvents.
  • Do not attempt to cauterize the wound (e.g., with a lighter or fire).

    • WHEN TO SEEK VETERINARY CARE? WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

    You should see a veterinarian immediately if the bite involves:

  • Deep or large wounds
  • Bleeding wounds
  • Painful wounds
  • Torn skin or significant tissue loss
  • Bites to the chest or abdomen
  • Bites to the face
  • Limping or mobility issues following a bite
  • Wounds associated with fractures or joint damage

    • WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

    Whether your pet was bitten by a dog, cat, or other animal—whether in a fight or rough play—bite wounds require careful treatment. These injuries almost always become infected, leading to abscesses, cellulitis, or even septicemia.

    Even a seemingly minor bite wound can pose a serious risk, especially bites from cats, rats, or wildlife. Never ignore a bite injury, even if it appears small.

    Animal mouths contain numerous bacteria, which become dangerous when introduced into a wound, where they can spread to tissues and enter the bloodstream. Without prompt and effective treatment, local infections can escalate into systemic infections or large abscesses.

    A veterinarian may not immediately suture a bite wound, as this could trap bacteria inside, worsening the infection. Instead, sutures may be done later, once the wound is deemed clean.

    The most common bacteria responsible for bite wound infections is Pasteurella multocida, which frequently causes abscess formation. In addition, external contaminants also contribute to infection, as the skin barrier is no longer intact.

    SPECIAL CASE: RAT BITES

  • The wound treatment is the same, but your pet should be examined as soon as possible by a veterinarian.
  • Rats can transmit leptospirosis, a serious zoonotic disease that can infect both your pet and humans.
  • In dogs, leptospirosis can be fatal, causing severe gastroenteritis, hemorrhagic shock, or liver and kidney failure.
  • Hunting dogs and animals frequently exposed to rodents should be vaccinated regularly against leptospirosis.

    • ⚠️ If your pet has been bitten, seek veterinary care immediately. Prompt treatment can prevent severe complications and save your pet’s life.

    Back