Dog bite wounds can be far more serious than they appear on the surface. Even small puncture marks can hide significant damage beneath the skin. Prompt veterinary evaluation is essential to prevent infection, pain, and life-threatening complications.

WHY DOG BITE WOUNDS ARE DANGEROUS

A dog’s teeth cause crushing, tearing, and puncturing injuries. While the skin may only show small holes, the underlying tissues can be bruised, torn, or contaminated with bacteria. Bite wounds often become worse over the first 24–72 hours, especially if they were not treated early.

Infections from bite wounds are usually polymicrobial, meaning multiple bacteria are involved, making them harder to treat once established.

SIGNS YOUR PET NEEDS IMMEDIATE VETERINARY CARE

Seek veterinary care right away if your pet has been bitten and shows any of the following:

• Puncture wounds or broken skin

• Swelling, redness, or bruising

• Pain, limping, or reluctance to move

• Bleeding or oozing fluid

• Lethargy, fever, or decreased appetite

• Difficulty breathing or wounds to the head, neck, chest, or abdomen

IMPORTANT: Do not wait to see if the wound gets better. Bite wounds are often worse than they appear on the surface.

WHY HOME TREATMENT IS NOT ENOUGH

Cleaning the surface of a wound at home does not address:

• Deep puncture tracts

• Trapped bacteria

• Dead or damaged tissue beneath the skin

Without proper treatment, bite wounds can lead to:

• Serious infections

• Tissue death (necrosis)

• Abscess formation

• Sepsis (blood infection)

HOW VETERINARIANS TREAT DOG BITE WOUNDS

Treatment depends on the severity and location of the wound but may include:

• Thorough Examination and Cleaning

  • Wide clipping of fur

  • Careful exploration of the wound (often with sedation or anesthesia)

  • Copious flushing with sterile fluids

• Debridement

  • Removal of damaged or dead tissue to reduce infection risk

• Wound Management

  • Most bite wounds are not stitched closed right away

  • Wounds may be left open to drain or managed with bandages or drains

  • Some wounds may be closed later once infection risk is lower

• Medications

  • Antibiotics to prevent or treat infection

  • Pain medications to keep your pet comfortable

• Diagnostics (When Needed)

  • X-rays or ultrasound if internal injuries, fractures, or air under the skin are suspected

WILL MY PET NEED ANTIBIOTICS?

In many cases, yes. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed for:

• Deep puncture wounds

• Crush injuries

• Wounds older than several hours

• Bites to the head, neck, chest, or abdomen

• Pets with weakened immune systems

Always give antibiotics exactly as prescribed, even if the wound looks better.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT HOME

Healing can take time. It’s normal for bite wounds to:

• Swell slightly in the first 1–2 days

• Require rechecks to monitor healing

• Need bandage changes or additional treatments

Contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice:

• Increasing swelling, redness, or discharge

• Worsening pain

• Fever, lethargy, or loss of appetite

• A foul odor from the wound

CAN BITE WOUNDS BE PREVENTED?

While not all bites are preventable, risk can be reduced by:

• Supervising interactions between dogs

• Avoiding unfamiliar or aggressive animals

• Keeping pets leashed in public areas

• Seeking training support for dogs with fear or aggression concerns

WHEN IN DOUBT, GET HELP

If your pet has been bitten—even if the wound looks small—it’s always safest to have them examined by a veterinarian. Early treatment leads to better outcomes, faster healing, and fewer complications.

If you have concerns or believe your pet has suffered a bite wound, contact your veterinarian or call us immediately at (808) 735-7735 or bring them to VERC, 345 N. Nimitz Hwy, Unit C, Honolulu. Our 24/7 emergency and critical care team provides advanced diagnostics, emergency surgery, intensive monitoring, and post-operative support.

Your pet’s health and safety are always our top priority.