How We Treat Bite Wounds in Pets

At Oakland Veterinary Referral Services, we see our fair share of injuries. Our expert emergency team knows how to offer animals the best care, including treating bite wounds in pets:

Bite Wounds: Initial Exam and Diagnosis

We start with an initial evaluation whenever an animal comes into our hospital. Even if we know the primary source of the animal’s injury, we must perform these exams to ensure we provide the proper care for an animal’s needs. We always use soap and water to clean the area thoroughly. If necessary, we will also apply antiseptic. Once we have a clear view, we can determine if the wound has any underlying damage that might not have been immediately visible. If the wound needs no further care, we will apply a bandage to keep the area safe as it heals. Sometimes, though, we leave the wound open and attach a drain to remove excess fluid.

Bite Wounds: Additional Diagnostics

If a bite wound appears deeper, we will perform additional diagnostics to see the extent of the damage. This could include X-rays or ultrasounds. We want to be sure that we are properly treating your pet for their actual injury, not just the injury we suspect they have. When necessary, we use stitches to close the wound and jumpstart healing. 

Bite Wounds: Antibiotics for Infection

With any kind of wound, we want to prevent infection. For this reason, we will almost always prescribe an antibiotic after a bite. The antibiotics will help your pet’s body fight off possible infection triggers while it works to heal the wounded area. If the bite is severe, we might prescribe a pain reliever to keep your pet comfortable while healing. 

Prevent Licking

It is very important to keep the animal from licking the affected area until it has enough time to heal. We often send you home with a collar to keep the area safe from a curious tongue. We will give you detailed instructions on how long your pet must wear the collar, and when it is safe to remove it.

Bite Wounds: Additional At-Home Care

In most cases, there will be a little aftercare you need to do to ensure your pet is properly healed from any bite wounds. If your pet has a drain attached to the wound, you might have to periodically empty it. Sometimes, we send you home with a gentle cleanser to keep the area clean. If we need your assistance at home, we will give you specific instructions on what to do.

Oakland Veterinary Referral Services is here with top-notch specialty and emergency veterinary care. Whether your pet is dealing with bite wounds or you want help with reactive behaviors, we can help. Call (248) 334-6877 to learn more about our services or to schedule an exam.