My dog has a deep, swollen bite wound. When should I see a vet?

Question

My dogs got into a fight yesterday over a toy. One of my dogs bit the other and there is a small wound from a tooth and it’s a little deep. There is swelling too. He’s limping a little but seems like it’s not bothering him as much as it did yesterday but it’s still swollen. Is this a bad injury? What do I do? Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Male | neutered | 1 year and 2 months old | 40 lbs

Dr. Leigh, DVM · Accepted Answer

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.

My dog has a deep, swollen bite wound. When should I see a vet?

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