Dog parks and neighborhood walks are meant for tail wags and playful encounters. But occasionally, things go wrong, and a dog bite incident occurs. At Abbey Vet Hospital, we understand how distressing this can be for both you and your dog. We will guide you through what to do if your dog is bitten by another canine and how to make sure your pet gets the care they need.

Why Do Dog Bites Happen Between Dogs?

Dogs communicate through body language, and sometimes, those signals are missed or misinterpreted, especially during high-energy interactions. Dog-on-dog aggression can stem from:

• Fear or anxiety
• Territory or resource guarding
• Overstimulation or frustration
• Poor socialization
• Previous trauma or pain

Even friendly dogs can bite under the right (or wrong) circumstances.

Step-by-Step: What to Do If Your Dog Is Bitten

Separate the Dogs Safely
Use your voice, a barrier, or a water spray. Avoid grabbing collars with your hands because you will risk getting bitten in the process.

Assess the Injuries
Check your dog calmly and gently. Dog bite wounds may be hidden under fur, especially around the neck, chest, or legs.

Exchange Information with the Other Dog Owner
If possible, get their name, contact info, and ask about vaccinations, especially their dog’s rabies vaccine status.

Call a Veterinarian for Emergency Care
Even if the bite seems minor (or you don’t visibly see a bite at all), there’s a high risk of infection. Puncture wounds can trap bacteria under the skin and lead to serious complications.

Comfort and Monitor Your Dog
They may be scared or in pain. Avoid unnecessary handling and offer a calm, quiet space until you reach the vet clinic.

How Vets Treat Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bite wounds are deceptive. What looks like a surface scratch on your pet could involve deeper muscle damage, crushed tissue, or internal bleeding. Prompt treatment may prevent abscesses, infection, muscle damage, and chronic pain.

A veterinarian offering emergency pet care will thoroughly examine your dog’s injury, clean any wounds, and start appropriate antibiotics. Every dog bite is different. Depending on the depth, location, and severity of the injury, the vet may recommend:

• Wound cleaning and flushing
• Surgical repair or suturing
• Pain medications and antibiotics
• Drain placement to prevent infection
• Sedation if your dog is in significant pain

After the initial bite treatment for your dog, watch closely for swelling, redness, discharge, or bad odors coming from the wound site. Fever or lethargy can also point to a serious issue. Call the veterinarian right away for follow-up care if needed.

Preventing Future Incidents

• Be selective about off-leash interactions
• Supervise playtime closely
• Avoid areas where dogs seem anxious or aggressive
• Learn your dog’s social limits and triggers
• Consider professional training if your dog is reactive or fearful

Treatment for Dog Bites is Available at Abbey Vet Hospital

A dog bite between pets is upsetting, but it doesn’t always have to lead to lasting harm. With fast action and expert veterinary care, most dogs recover quickly. Abbey Vet Hospital is your partner in helping pets heal from dog bites in Antioch, CA and nearby areas like Brentwood.
Has your dog been involved in a scuffle? Contact us for expert dog bite care and compassionate support.