Dog bit by raccoon days ago, licking wound, no signs. What to do?

Question

What do I do if my dog got bit by a raccoon four days ago because we were on vacation and the person just now explained to us that it happened four days ago. But he isn’t showing signs. He isn’t bleeding. Pet clinics are really expensive and he’s licking the wound. I gave him a bath and he didn’t flinch or whine and I used gloves just Incase. Pet's info: Dog | Yorkshire Terrier | Male | unneutered | 2 years and 9 months old

Makenzie Kurth, DVM · Accepted Answer

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If Teddy is current on his rabies vaccine, there is almost no concern in that department. If he is not up to date, you’ll need to call your vet because state laws vary on what has to happen next. I would warn first, that it may become infected and he may need an antibiotic so watch for swelling, redness, oozing, or excessive pain at the site. That being said, if that doesn’t seem to be happening yet, that’s a great sign. Next, I would recommend cleaning the wound as thoroughly as you can with dilute betadine or hydrogen peroxide. Then he needs an E-collar ASAP (most pet stores carry them) to prevent the licking so he doesn’t get it infected and lets it heal. If he cannot get to it, feel free to apply a triple antibiotic ointment like Neosporin. Repeat the cleaning and the Neosporin once daily until healed. If at any time the wound looks weird to you or Teddy is acting differently (lethargic, not eating, etc) take him to the vet right away. Side note: if he doesn’t already get regular flea/tick treatment, I’d get some because raccoons can carry fleas. Best wishes to you and Teddy!

Dog bit by raccoon days ago, licking wound, no signs. What to do?

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