My dog was attacked, the bite area is swollen and hard. What to do?

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear this. Dog attacks can be quite stressful. The main problem with bite wounds is that you have to let the wounds declare themselves before knowing exactly what is going to happen at the end. It sounds like Zara's wound got infected and has now formed an abscess. She can develop a fever from this and this can make her feel quite sick. Also, it would be ideal to know the true extent of her injuries. For this reason, I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Your veterinarian would be able to prescribe medications for pain control and also antibiotics to treat her infection which is the only way it can resolve. Good luck! Keeping my fingers crossed for a speedy recovery.

Antibiotics and anti inflammatory medications are needed to speed up recovery time and resolve the swelling completely. Dinsifection must be provided as well with hibiscrub or betadine diluted. I would recommend an immediate check up at your local vet practice.

If there is swelling and it feels hot to the touch and painful then these are signs that infection is present (bite wounds/punctures are unfortunately prone to infeciton) and oral antibiotics are likely needed. I would make an appointment with your vet to get the wound examined. In the meantime, applying an ice pack to the area for 10 minutes every few hours may provide some relief to the pain (be sure to wrap the ice pack in a thin cloth/towel so it isn't directly on the skin).

Oh no, poor Sasha! I'm sorry she was bitten and is now very swollen on top of the head and under the neck. I would be concerned that she has suffered from internal injuries from the bite, and she should see a vet immediately for medical treatment. Please take her into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Pogo. You can try applying warm compresses such as a warm washcloth to the wound for 3-5 mins up to 3 times per day if he will tolerate it. The swelling may be the result of local tissue damage or it could be from an abscess starting to form under the skin. This is a common side effect with bite wounds. The teeth inoculate bacteria deep under the skin when a dog is bit. The bacteria become trapped as the overlying skin rapidly heals. This will create the abscess. I hope this information helps!

I'm so sorry this happened to Dabbu. He really needs to be seen by a veterinarian. He is sitting in the corner because he hurts. Dogs do not have very clean mouths so when they bite they often inject bacteria into the bite wounds and it doesn't take long for bites to become infected. Therefore, Dabbu may have infected wounds and a fever. He really should go to a vet and get those wounds treated. He will likely need some antibiotics and some anti-inflammatory/pain medication so he will feel better. I wish there was some treatment I could tell you to do at home but without seeing the wounds myself there is nothing I can tell you and I certainly cannot prescribe mediation over the internet. It is really best to get him looked at. I hope this helps. Best wishes to you and Dabbu. Dr. Amber

Hello. Many bite wounds can lie quiet for a couple of days until an infection sets in. Then, things seem to get worse in a short period of time. Once your vet gets the area cleaned up & antibiotics are started, Alfie should heal very quickly. In the meantime, you can try applying warm compresses to the swollen cheek. The water should be quite warm & if you can do this for 5-10 minutes a couple of times a day until his appointment, this will be helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.