Dog bites

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This is especially common in summertime after a scrap in the park. The amount of damage done will depend on the size of your pet. Large dogs can grab a small terrier by the scruff and rip large tears in the skin. Their large teeth can also cause fatal damage to the rib cage and upper airways. Ears often get torn in fights - often a tiny cut will bleed excessively and need to be stitched.

Dog bites can be very small but deep puncture wounds. Most dogs carry bacteria on their fangs so when they bite they inject infection into the skin. The deep bite also causes severe swelling around the wound and pain. Deep bruising can make the leg more swollen the next day.

What to do:

• clip hair from around the wound
• clean the wound immediately with salt water and bathe it frequently
• larger tears should be covered with a clean bandage
• if your dog is in shock or pain, seek veterinary attention immediately. Most dog bites need antibiotics to prevent deep infection.