Bitten wounds in animals: why are they dangerous, how to detect damage and provide first aid

In a fight with another animal on the street or at home, your pet may suffer bite wounds. Such a violation of the integrity of the skin can look like a deep and terrible mutilation or a point injury. The danger is as follows:

• In 100% of cases, the bite wound is infected to some extent, as the teeth of animals are never sterile. The infection spreads rapidly through the damaged tissues, causing suppuration or even necrosis, which can lead to the death of the animal.
• A wound can hide a tear in the chest or abdominal wall muscles, massive bleeding, damage to internal organs, or a rupture of the intestines or lungs. A large dog with a powerful jaw can break the bones of a smaller dog or cat.
• Bite wounds inflicted on a street pet are always a risk of rabies infection. It is fatal for the pet and its owner, so you need to vaccinate your pet every year.

You will know that a dog or cat has been involved in a fight by blood stains on its coat or a distinct breakdown in the integrity of its skin. After the fight, the animal breathes heavily, has a high heart rate, lameness, impaired coordination, pale mucous membranes, high or abnormally low temperature. Your pet may lose consciousness.

A bruise, abscess, or accumulation of pus may appear in the area of the damaged skin. The temperature may rise in this area. The animal is in pain, and in some cases there is a risk of losing it, so you need to help your pet: on your own and by contacting a veterinarian.

First aid and professional help for a dog or cat with bitten wounds

If an animal has bitten wounds, you should first stop the bleeding with hydrogen peroxide. If a limb or tail is affected, apply a tourniquet and then take the pet to a veterinary clinic.

If the wound is serious and you cannot help yourself, contact Animal Clinic immediately. Even if the wound is a puncture wound, a visit to the veterinarian is necessary, and the idea that everything will heal quickly on the animal is a common misconception that leads to unfortunate consequences.

Our specialists will examine the patient, assess his or her condition, stabilize him or her if it is severe, take anti-shock measures, and prescribe treatment. Bitten wounds are treated by an experienced veterinary surgeon. Under anesthesia, the wounds are inspected and sanitized, sutured, and wound drains are installed, if necessary. After the operation, the pet will be placed in a hospital for observation. With timely treatment by veterinarians, the prognosis is often favorable.

Prevention of bite wounds

Preventing dogs and cats from getting bitten wounds consists of basic measures. It is necessary to train your pet. If you keep cats and/or dogs together and they are at odds, create a distance between them.

Do not let your cat outdoors unattended. Walk your dog only in a muzzle and on a leash. This way, your pet will not harm others and will not get hurt itself.