What should I check after my dog has been bitten by another dog?
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Overview
After a dog bite, the main things to check are the skin, swelling, bleeding, pain and how your dog is behaving. Even a small-looking bite can leave punctures that are deeper than they first appear, so it helps to look closely and keep an eye on any change over the next day or two.
Things To Check
1. Look for broken skin, puncture marks, tears or a wound hidden under the fur.
2. Check for swelling, heat, redness or any area that feels tender when touched.
3. See whether there is bleeding, discharge, a smell, or blood mixed with saliva or fur around the wound.
4. Watch how your dog is moving. Reluctance to walk, stiffness, limping or holding a leg up can suggest the bite is painful.
5. Check for wounds near the face, neck, chest, belly, paws or joints, as these areas can be harder to assess properly at home.
6. Notice any behaviour changes such as hiding, flinching, licking the area, reduced appetite or seeming quieter than usual.
7. Keep an eye out for swelling that gets worse, new discharge, or skin that starts to look more angry over time.
Common Causes
The most common issue is a puncture or tear from another dog's teeth, sometimes with bruising underneath the skin. Some bites look minor on the surface but cause deeper damage to the tissue below.
Swelling, soreness and licking are also common, especially if the bite is on a busy area like a leg or paw. Less commonly, the bite may have affected a deeper structure such as a muscle, joint or, in certain locations, the chest or abdomen.
What To Do
Keep your dog calm and stop any rough play for now. If your dog will allow it, part the fur gently and look closely at the area under good light.
If the skin is open, you can rinse away loose dirt with clean lukewarm water, then pat it dry gently. Try to stop your dog licking or chewing the area, and keep an eye on whether swelling or soreness is increasing.
Make a note of when the bite happened, where it is, and how the wound looks. That information can be helpful if you do need to speak to a vet.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet promptly if the wound is deep, still bleeding, gaping, very swollen, very painful, or in a difficult area such as the face, neck, chest, belly or near a joint. You should also seek advice if your dog seems unwell, is limping, becomes increasingly sore, or the area starts to ooze or smell.
If the bite was from a fight, or you are unsure how severe it is, it's sensible to have it checked as soon as you can.
Related Questions
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Atlas is here to support owners with practical, easy-to-understand guidance. It is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you're concerned about your animal's health, symptoms worsen, or something doesn't feel right, contact your vet.