My dog was bitten. How to clean a dog bite and prevent infection?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Male | unneutered | 20 lbs
My dog got bit by another dog and has one tooth bite mark and i read to clean it with saline solution so I did and he's not acting like it hurts or anything just probably a little sore now. Should I keep cleaning it with the saline solution like it says online or just take him in. I don't want it to get infected or anything but I don't want to take him if I don't need to
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on September 28th, 2017
I would clean it with either Betadine or Chlorhexidine solution (diluted 1:10 with water). Try to flush the solution down into the hole. I would do that twice daily, dry it thoroughly after cleaning and then you can apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment like Neosporin. Saline is not necessarily bad but it has no antibacterial properties. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Betadine-First-Aid-Skin-Cleanser-4-fluid-ounces/878733067 https://www.walmart.com/ip/CHLORHEXIDINE-2-SOLUTION/26961493 https://www.walmart.com/ip/Equate-Triple-Antibiotic-Ointment-1-oz/10324544 If you notice increased discharge, redness, pain or swelling then you can be sure it is getting infected and then he needs to see your vet to get some oral antibiotics and some anti-inflammatories. Hope this helps. Best wishes.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on November 28th, 2017
You need to get an estimate from a local vet. We are not a vet clinic. Prices vary depending on your location and prices also vary from clinic to clinic. Now, that being said, that looks like a bite wound and if it is, usually vets will not stitch them closed for fear of trapping bacteria in the skin. So, if your friend wants to try to just keep the wound very clean for the next 5-7 days it may heal up on it's own. It may also get infected even if she tries to keep it clean and if that happens she will need to get her to a vet for treatment at that time. For wound cleaning I suggest DILUTE betadine or chlorhexidine solution. You can buy them at any pharmacy. Mix a 1:10 dilution of cleaner with water. Clean it 2-3 times a day. After cleaning, dry it thoroughly and apply a thin layer of Neosporin (or generic comparable). DO NOT use hydrogen peroxide. Hope this helps. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on May 23rd, 2018
If you are having a problem cleaning the wound with Chlorhexidine, I would stop doing so as the stress caused to the dog may be more detrimental than the benefit. The antibiotic should suffice, provided you stick to the prescription and finish the course as prescribed. Watch for swelling and pain and if that occurs take your dog back to the vet for a recheck The problem with this wound is that it is a puncture wound, so certain anaerobic bacteria might like that. But giving the antibiotic properly will likely take care of the bacteria. Infection would be the complication, but with treatment as you describe, this should not get infected. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further. Please take the time to mark this question as helpful or not as it helps us to improve on the quality of our answers to other pet owners. Thank you kindly!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on January 31st, 2018
The most important thing to do is to flush the wound as soon as possible. The biggest concern is that the wound will get infected. In order to prevent this, it's important to flush the wound using high pressure with normal water or saline for five minutes. You can follow the flushing with an application of dilute iodine/Betadine or chlorhexidine. Flush the wound with water daily. An antibiotic cream can be applied to the wound if it's in a place that won't be licked. Otherwise, it will be best to just flush it once a day until it's healed. If you happen to see excessive swelling or pus oozing from the wound, then it's best to take Tina to the vet for treatment, because it may need prescription medication and/or surgical debridement to keep it from getting worse. I hope that helps and Tina gets better soon.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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