My dog's face is swollen after a fight. Is home treatment enough?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

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  Answered By Jeffrey Milner

  Veterinarian

  Published on June 9th, 2017

  Ouch! Dog fights can be stressful for the dogs and owners can't they? Depending on how deep the puncture wounds are, they should probably be thoroughly flushed and cleaned. In some cases, if they are communicating with one another internally a drain may need to be placed to allow for appropriate healing to occur. To help with the swelling, pain medications, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory medication should be prescribed by a veterinarian. While this is not necessarily an emergency if there is no significant active bleeding, the sooner Hershey gets some medication the sooner he will start to feel better. Also, the less likely there will be an infection if the antibiotics are obtained and started sooner.

  

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  Answered By Harrah White

  Veterinary Technician

  Published on March 28th, 2017

  Wounds from a bite can be very serious and most times require antibiotics from your veterinarian. The swelling on his face could be a side effect from the trauma however the swelling could also be the start of an abscess due to the bacteria. Although veterinary care is the best solution of at this current moment is not an option keep the wound(s) clean from any dirt and you can try using warm compresses to the swelling

  

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  Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

  Veterinarian

  Published on October 19th, 2018

  It could be swelling from the bite, but there is a chance it could be due to infection. Without seeing him in person, I can't say for certain, but have a vet check it out if they have not already. Best of luck.

  

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  Answered By Debi Matlack

  Veterinary Technician

  Published on December 29th, 2020

  He may have an infection under the skin, a salivary gland may have been damaged, he may have a bad tooth that may or may not be related to the fight, there are a number of possibilities. I recommend getting him in to see your vet as soon as possible since the swelling isn't getting better. The fact that his behavior and appetite haven't changed is good, but this needs to be examined to determine what's going on and what should be done about it.

  

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