What should I do if my dog has a swollen wound after a bite? | arlo.® Atlas
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Overview
If your dog has a swollen wound after a bite, it could be irritated, bruised, or becoming infected. A bite wound can look small on the surface but still be deeper underneath, so it’s worth checking it carefully and keeping a close eye on any changes.
Things To Check
1. Look at how swollen the area is and whether it’s getting bigger over time.
2. Check for redness, heat, broken skin, scabs, discharge or a bad smell.
3. See whether your dog is licking, chewing, guarding the area or reacting when you touch it.
4. Think about when the bite happened, because swelling that appears later can sometimes be more concerning than an immediate lump.
5. Check whether your dog seems dull, off their food, sore, or less willing to move normally.
6. Look for puncture marks, even if they’re small, as these can hide deeper damage.
7. Watch for any pus, blood, or fluid leaking from the wound.
Common Causes
Many bite wounds swell because the skin and tissues have been bruised or inflamed. This can happen even when the surface mark looks minor.
Some wounds become infected, especially if a puncture has trapped bacteria under the skin. That can lead to increasing swelling, heat, tenderness and discharge.
Less commonly, a wound may have deeper damage under the skin, such as a pocket of fluid or tissue that has been badly crushed by the bite.
What To Do
Keep your dog calm and stop them licking or scratching at the area as much as you can. If the skin is open, gently prevent further contamination by keeping the area clean and dry.
Check the wound regularly so you can spot any change in swelling, colour, heat or discharge. If your dog is comfortable, short supervised rest may help limit extra irritation.
Avoid squeezing the wound or trying to drain it yourself. If the wound is dirty, deep, getting worse, or your dog seems uncomfortable, it’s sensible to seek veterinary advice.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet promptly if the swelling is increasing, the wound is hot or painful, there’s discharge, your dog seems unwell, or the bite may be deep. Bite wounds often look minor at first, so early advice can be helpful.
You should also speak to a vet if the wound is on the face, near a joint, or if your dog is limping or not using the area normally.
Products That May Help
When you’re managing a swollen bite wound, it can help to keep your dog’s care routine simple, clean and easy to monitor. The Pet Care collection may be useful for general grooming and hygiene support around the affected area.
Related Questions
Should I clean my dog’s bite wound at home?
How can I tell if a dog bite wound is infected?
How long should swelling last after a dog bite?
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.