The dogs between them are not always tender and their fights can lead to more or less serious bite wounds. When his dog has fought with one of his congeners, the master should not wait to treat him and take him to the veterinarian . Let's see what risks can lead to fights between canids , the symptoms to watch out for and the best solutions to treat the injured child.
Even a small bite can be serious
Some bites seem shallow. This does not mean that they are trivial. When his dog has fought with another dog, the master should not wait to clean and disinfect the wound. The installation of a muzzle is more than necessary in this case, because the dog - even gentle as a lamb - can rebel during the care.
Superficial bite
It is a sharply demarcated, shallow wound . It is cleaned with a lint-free gauze and physiological saline in order to eliminate all the dirt. We then move on to disinfection by diluting 9 volumes of water for 1 volume of Betadine and we pour the dilution carefully on the wound and the traces of fangs. Alcohol is to be banned because it stings. The dog therefore runs the risk of no longer accepting treatment.
After disinfection, an airy dressing can be placed on the wound and held in place by a band that is not too tight. Repeat the operation on the following days, morning and evening, proceeding as follows:
- Dressing removal,
- Checking the wound,
- Cleaning,
- Disinfection,
- Putting on a clean dressing and tape.
Even if the bite is only superficial, it is best to make an appointment with the veterinarian so that he can make an inventory and make the necessary arrangements.
deep bite
Following a deep bite, the flesh can be torn off. To prevent the dog's hair from sticking to the wound, it is best to shave it carefully before you start cleaning the wound, similar to a superficial bite, as we have seen before.
It is then necessary to disinfect this consequent wound either with Betadine , or with Hexomedine and using sterile compresses which do not fluff. We obviously avoid cotton wool which leaves fibers in the wounds. Disinfection concerns the injured area and all its surroundings because it is necessary to limit the risks of microbial contamination.
You can protect the wound with a bandage while waiting to take the dog to the office or clinic the same day. Following a fight between dogs, a bite having caused one or more deep wounds justifies an emergency consultation
Dog bite by another dog: the signs that should alert
After a fight between dogs, it is essential to monitor the state of your animal for several days. At the slightest worrying symptom , the dog must be taken to the veterinarian. The signs of gravity are:
- A sore that oozes,
- The bitten area turns red,
- The dog has a fever (body temperature above 39°C),
- The behavior of the animal changes,
- The bitten dog expresses his pain by growling and/or moaning.
Dog bitten by another dog: consult a veterinarian
Regardless of the severity of the bite, the injured dog should be examined. He can then benefit from an antibiotic treatment, receive a painkiller if the wound is deep. A small health check can be carried out. Finally, if the animal is not up to date with its vaccinations, the veterinarian will administer a vaccine against rabies or rabies .
Antibiotics are essential to protect the dog against any risk of infection, even if the bite seems harmless. Let's not forget that a dog's mouth contains all kinds of germs which develop very quickly in an oxygen-deprived environment since they are highly infective anaerobic microorganisms. There is a risk of tissue destruction in the event of injury.
The danger is even greater if the dog has been bitten by a mastiff whose jaws are powerful enough for its fangs to sink deep into the flesh, a muscle or a joint.
At the same time, the master must report the incident to the competent authorities if his little companion has been bitten by a stray dog .
Bites between dogs: how to prevent them?
To prevent your dog from fighting with another dog, there is only one solution: do not let him go out alone . This is not always easy because many dogs regularly go on escapades without the knowledge of their owner. They are more likely than others to be bitten during a fight with a dog or a female dog.
You have to prevent your dog from escaping from the garden. Fence the property and check from time to time that the little wanderer has not dug a hole to pass under the fence is recommended.
The best results are still obtained with obedient dogs . It is therefore useful to train your dog so that he returns as soon as his master calls him back. Knowing how to be obeyed can prevent your animal from being injured.