My dog has been bitten by another dog.

Question
My dog was attacked by a lose dog (neighborhood dog got out)while walking him around the block.  The other dog bite him several time on his right ear.  Tore an inch long tear (sp)under bottom of ear.  Four puncher wounds on top near head.  Puncture wound looks deep but no blood flow.  The tear bleeds off and on.  How do I clean the wounds?  Do I wrap them too?

Thank you,
Tracy Hulson

Answer
Tracy-

You need to wash it very carefully in warm water and get all debris out. Use peroxide and rubbing alcohol to clean the wounds, and some kind of topical antibacterial antiseptic, like neosporin, to help wade off infection. Do not wrap them right now, but if you have clippers, shave the hair around the wounds so you can see them better and keep debris out of them.

This is all short term- he needs to see a vet ASAP. From the wounds you described, he needs sutures. If you know the loose dogs owners, you need to get shot records from them to take to the vet. If he has not had a rabies vaccine (the loose dog) your dog will need a booster. If it is a stray dog or you do not know the owners, call animal control to catch it and put it on rabies quarantine.

Good luck, I hope everything works out OK!