Why is my dog crying when I touch a bite wound?

Read time: 3 minutes

Overview

If your dog cries when you touch a bite wound, it usually means the area is sore, inflamed or sensitive. Bite wounds can look small on the surface but still be painful underneath, so it’s worth checking the area calmly and keeping a close eye on it.

There can be several reasons for the pain, including bruising, swelling, infection starting to develop, or a wound that has torn deeper than it first appeared. You can often do a simple check at home, but don’t try to forcefully press or probe the area.

Things To Check

1. Note whether your dog reacts only when the wound is touched, or whether they’re also sore at rest, walking, or lying down.

2. Look closely for redness, swelling, heat, discharge, scabbing, or any sign that the skin has broken further.

3. Check whether the wound is near a joint, paw, face, neck, chest, or belly, as these areas can be more sensitive or harder to assess.

4. See if the skin around the bite feels firm, puffy, or tender, which can suggest irritation or swelling under the surface.

5. Watch for licking, nibbling, scratching, restlessness, or flinching when they move, as these can all point to discomfort.

6. Check whether your dog seems bright and normal overall, or whether they’re quieter than usual, off food, or less keen to move.

7. Notice if the wound smell has changed or if there’s any wetness, pus, or staining on the fur.

Common Causes

The most common reason is simple soreness from the bite itself. Even a small puncture can hurt quite a lot, especially if there’s bruising or pressure under the skin.

Swelling and inflammation are also common after a bite. The skin may look only slightly damaged while the tissue underneath is more painful than it appears.

If the area is becoming infected, it may become more painful to touch over time. A bite wound can also hide deeper damage than you can see from the outside, particularly if the teeth pierced through the skin.

Less commonly, the wound may be affecting movement or sitting close to a sensitive area, which can make your dog cry out when it’s handled.

What To Do

Keep your dog from licking or scratching the area as much as possible, and avoid pressing the wound repeatedly to check it. A calm, gentle approach is usually best.

If the skin is only lightly damaged, you can keep the area clean and watch for changes over the next day or so. Make a note of the size, colour and any discharge so you can tell if it’s changing.

Rest your dog and keep activity low if the wound is in a place that gets stretched or bumped during movement. That can help reduce further irritation.

If the pain seems to be increasing, the wound is spreading, or your dog seems generally unwell, it’s sensible to get veterinary advice rather than waiting.

Products That May Help

For dogs with bite wounds or irritated skin, the right everyday pet care products can help support a cleaner, calmer grooming routine while you monitor the area.

Pet Care

Item added to your cart