Why is the skin around my dog’s bite wound turning dark?
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Overview
If the skin around your dog’s bite wound is turning dark, it’s often due to bruising, drying scabs or normal healing changes. That said, dark skin can also happen if the tissue has been badly damaged, the wound is getting infected, or the area is not healing well.
Because bite wounds can look worse over time before they look better, it’s sensible to check the area closely and keep an eye on how your dog is acting as well as how the skin looks.
Things To Check
1. Look at whether the darkening is flat and bruise-like, or whether the skin is becoming dry, crusty, wet or sloughing.
2. Check for swelling, warmth, pain when touched, or a smell from the wound.
3. See if there is any discharge, bleeding, pus, or a wound opening that’s becoming larger.
4. Compare the skin around the wound with the rest of the area to see if the colour change is spreading.
5. Notice whether your dog is licking, chewing, scratching or rubbing the wound more than usual.
6. Check if your dog is still bright, eating normally and moving comfortably.
7. Think about how old the bite wound is and whether it has been improving or getting worse.
Common Causes
The most common reason is bruising around the bite, especially if the skin was squeezed or punctured deeply. As bruising settles, the area can look darker before it fades.
Scabbing and normal healing can also make the skin look brown, grey or blackish, particularly if the wound is drying out.
If bacteria have entered the wound, the skin may darken alongside redness, swelling, heat, discharge or a strong smell. Bite wounds are more likely to become infected than they first appear because the puncture can be deeper than the surface skin suggests.
Less commonly, the dark skin can mean the tissue has been badly damaged and is not getting enough healthy blood supply. This can happen after a more severe bite or if swelling is affecting the area.
What To Do
Keep the area clean and dry, and stop your dog from licking or scratching it as much as you can. If you’ve already been shown how to clean bite wounds by your vet, follow that advice. If not, avoid using harsh products on the skin.
Take a clear photo today and check it again over the next 24 hours so you can see whether the colour change is stable, improving or spreading.
Keep your dog calm and avoid rough play or anything that could reopen the wound. If the skin is darkening quickly, the wound smells, starts to ooze, becomes more swollen, or your dog seems unwell, get veterinary advice promptly.
When To Contact A Vet
Contact your vet if the dark area is spreading, the wound is painful, there is discharge or an unpleasant smell, or your dog seems dull, off their food or more uncomfortable than expected. Bite wounds can worsen under the skin even when the surface looks small.
If the skin has turned black, looks dead or is becoming cold, or if the wound was caused by a deep bite, your vet should assess it as soon as possible.
Products That May Help
For a dog bite wound, it can help to keep the area clean, dry and easy to monitor during normal at-home care. arlo.® Pet Care can be useful as part of a sensible grooming and hygiene routine around the wound area.
Related Questions
Should I clean my dog’s bite wound at home?
How do I know if a dog bite wound is infected?
Why does my dog keep licking a wound?
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.