My dog's bite wound is swollen and hot. Should I take her to the vet?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | spayed | 2 years and 7 months old | 80 lbs
hello, my one dog who is very big, was wrestling with his sister who is smaller, and his tooth punched her shin. it only bleed a little , I cleaned it with peroxide and put anti bacterial cream on it. but it is swollen around the puncture and hot. what should I do. she is walking on her leg, but you can tell it hurts.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on July 26th, 2017
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).
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on December 11th, 2017
Poor Zeus! A major concern is that it the wound becomes infected, especially if the bite penetrated the joint. You could clean the area with a wound wash but he really should be examined by a vet. Your vet can determine the extent of the injury and prescribe an antibiotic to help prevent an infection. He might also need an anti-inflammatory to help with the pain and swelling. Please do not give any human OTC pain relievers as they can be toxic to dogs. If you can't take him to a vet then keep cleaning the area with a wound wash and monitor for increased swelling, discharge, pain, and fever.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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