What to do if a wild animal bites your dog

Nothing gets a dog more excited than going for a walk with its owner or playing outdoors. However, there’s danger outside the safety of your home. Aside from the occasional fights with other pets in the neighborhood, dogs sometimes come in contact with wild animals. While small ones like rodents tend to run away, larger ones like coyotes and raccoons might engage in a fight, resulting in a wild animal bite.

Even more pernicious are venomous animals like scorpions and snakes. A single bite, if left untreated, can be fatal.

If you see your dog trying to fight a wild animal, try to separate it with a long stick or pull it away. To avoid being bitten, don’t get in-between animals that are fighting. If you observe a wild animal bite on your dog, here’s what to do:

Step 1: Apply first aid

First, note the wild animal that bit your dog. That information will guide you in the actions you need to take.

If it’s a non-venomous animal like a raccoon or fox, first, take your dog away from the area. Carry your dog. Letting your dog walk increases blood loss. To control blood loss, use clean fabric to apply pressure to the wound.

On the other hand, if a poisonous animal bites your dog on one of his legs, use a tourniquet to reduce the spread of venom.

Once you have the blood flow under control, promptly take your dog to a veterinarian.

Step 2: Visit a veterinarian

Visit a veterinarian after your dog is bitten, especially if the culprit was a venomous animal.

Even a simple bite from a raccoon or skunk can lead to infection or even rabies if your dog isn’t vaccinated.

Give your vet information about the type of wild animal bite, so he can take appropriate action.

For instance, if it’s a small bite, you might be sent home with antibiotics. On the other hand, a large wild animal bite may require surgery, and a venomous animal bite might require antivenin treatment. Also, if the pain is severe, your dog may need painkillers.

Step 3: Homecare

After you visit the veterinarian, you will be given some medications to administer to your dog for a few days.

Ensure that you do not forget to follow the vet’s instructions exactly. You might be required to clean stitched wounds regularly.

Once the wounds heal, you may need to clean the area with warm water and a soft washcloth or a disinfectant. To hasten the recovery of your beloved dog, follow your vet’s instructions!

As dog owners, it’s your responsibility to reduce the potential encounters your dog may have with wild animals. Puppies, in particular, are curious and playful and will approach dangerous animals.

That’s why you need to ensure that your yard is free from wild animals. Also, when going on walks, ensure that you have your dog on a leash. In the eventuality that your dog gets bitten by a wild animal, apply the necessary first aid procedure. After that, promptly seek veterinary care.

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