Pet Bite Emergency: Steps to Take for a Pet Bitten By Another Animal
Cats and dogs are naturally territorial animals. When their space is invaded, your normally sweet and compliant pet may become violently confrontational. Other times, wild animals like raccoons and skunks can attack your pet, leaving them injured and exposed to potentially deadly infections. Waldorf Emergency Care offers pet surgery and other interventions to repair and heal cat or dog bites. Here are some steps you can take for a pet bitten by another pet or wild animal.
First Aid
Like many pet parents, your initial reaction may be to rush your pet to the nearest emergency services center. Before you jump into the car, however, use some simple first aid to reduce your pet’s pain and short circuit the development of infections.
- Help your pet calm down. Spend some time cuddling with them, give them their favorite toy, or offer treats that take their mind away from the injury.
- Clean the area with warm water. You can use a very mild soap if your pet is excessively dirty. However, a gentle yet consistent stream of water should be enough to dislodge any embedded objects in the cuts.
- Use a clean bandage or strip of cotton cloth to wrap the wound firmly. Be careful not to wrap too tightly and compromise blood circulation.
For defensive pets, secure their mouths and limbs with strips of cloth to prevent them from injuring you or making their wounds worse during the home treatment.
Legal Issues
A pet bitten by another animal is a community risk that needs to be addressed to protect the general public.
- If a dog bites your pet that belongs to another person, get their contact information. This will help track down the owner if your pet is found to have developed communicable diseases.
- Report wild animal attacks to your nearest animal control center immediately.
- For a pet bitten by an uncontrolled domestic animal, you may need to file a report with your local police department.
If possible, collect this information before visiting your veterinarian for treatment.
Waldorf Emergency Care: Superior Pet Surgery for Your Furry Friend
Whether your pet receives superficial wounds or requires major surgical intervention to repair internal damages, Waldorf Emergency Care is here to care for your wounds. Besides pet surgery to repair cuts, we can help your pet heal with a variety of supportive care techniques. Contact us to learn more about healing your pet after a violent encounter.