My dog was in a fight. Does he need a vet if he's vaccinated?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I highly recommend that you have both of your pups evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. These wounds can get infected very easily. Also, it is crucial to check if any of these wounds need further local therapy such as stitches. Your veterinarian could also start pain medications as usually lacerations like that are painful. Good luck and have a good day!

Since he has had his rabies vaccination, you do not need to be worried. You do not need ARV. You do, however, need to be worried that you could get a skin infection. Just keep the wounds clean as it looks like you have done. If you notice any major redness, pain or swelling around the bite areas you need to see your human doctor.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! What else to do for it depends on what it looks like on physical examination which is hard for me to tell without an evaluation. If it looks superficial and you cleaned it then it is likely to heal. However, it may not if it is deep or it is infected. If no improvement or worsening in the next few days, have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a great day!

Examine your dog for any sign of injury due to the fight with the rat (if any). If any (which is likely, sometimes even inside the mouth) take him to your veterinarian for an examination. Disinfection can eventually be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid licking/scratching at the wound. If your dog is not vaccinated for Leptospira, take him to your local vet anyway. Antibiotics may be needed. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

I would recommend cleaning the wound with antibacterial soap and warm water tonight, then having your dog examined by a vet tomorrow to be safe - even if the wound is not actively bleeding, bite wounds from other animals have a high risk of becoming infected so she may need antibiotics to help prevent this. Your vet can also advise you of any rabies quarantine laws that may apply in your state - possums rarely carry rabies and if your dog is current on her vaccines she should be well-protected, but in some states an in-home observation period may be required to make sure there are no problems.

If Brownie has had his rabies vaccine, then the main risk is simple infection. You’ve already taken the first step but cleaning the wound and your vet will probably prescribe antibiotics. Other than that, there is not much to worry about. Best of luck to you and Brownie!

It's good Rosie is up to date on all her shots, rabies would be the most important one in this case. I'd have her seen by a vet in the morning. I would be concerned this could become infected, and she will need antibiotics to prevent an infection. Tonight, wash the bite marks with warm water and antiseptic soap. I hope this helps!