What should I do if my dog was bitten by another dog?

First, you need to remove your dog from the area where it was bitten and calm it down. Then, check the severity of the wound and apply gentle pressure if it’s bleeding a lot. To be safe, bring your dog to the vet for anti-rabies shots, especially if you think the one that bit them is rabid.

5 Steps to take if another dog bit your dog

Step #1: Try calming your dog down by being calm. If you panic, you’ll have a hard time giving the proper care for your dog’s wound.

Step #2: From a distance, you can clap loudly or stomp the ground just to make noise and potentially stop the fighting. Don’t step between the fighting dogs—you might get bit yourself.

Step #3: Pull your dog away and instruct the other dog's owner (if there’s one) to do the same. Try to look away from the other dog. Engaging in eye contact with them can make them more aggressive.

Step #4: Wash the wound with clean water. If you have a first aid kit, apply hydrogen peroxide and betadine to help kill bacteria.

Step #5: Bring your dog immediately to the vet. If the wound is bleeding heavily, apply gentle pressure on it.

Will a dog bite heal on its own?

Dog wounds usually heal on their own. But, if they have wounds on their face, neck, and joints, then you might need to bring them to the vet.

These are all sensitive areas and can cause further medical issues if not treated properly.

Do not worry, though; medical professionals are trained to deal with wounds like these.

Remember, all wounds can become infected. So, whether your dog has a small scratch or a deep wound, you must administer first aid to avoid infection.

The least you can do is bring a portable water bottle while walking with your dog. This isn't just for hydration purposes. You can also use the water to clean your dog’s wound.

Can my dog get rabies from another dog bite?

Dogs can contract many diseases, and rabies is one of the most common ones they can get.

If your dog gets bit by another canine with rabies, they can get infected. This is because the most common way rabies can be transferred is through saliva.

As pet owners, we need to always be mindful of where our dogs go to keep them safe.

Dogs can also get rabies from other animals, such as:

• Bats.
• Foxes.
• Skunks.
• Coyotes.
• Racoons.

If you live near or are vacationing in a forested area, your dog is likely to encounter any of these animals. For their safety, it’s best to keep them indoors.