You are here:

Ask the Veterinarian/My dog got bitten by another dog

Advertisement

Expert: - 10/23/2011


Question
Today is Sunday oct.23/11  my dad was walking my poodle and the neighbors dog bit her in the leg she was bleeding and we washed it off my mom put some neosporin on it we also put a gauze on it I want to take her to the vet but my parents tell me that she's fine since she's acting normal but I really don't know what to do most vets are closed I'm 14yrs old and I can't take her by my self what should I do. Please help me.

Answer
Daniela,

ANY dog bite is a serious issue and in Texas even more serious due to the huge amount of rabies in that state.

The dog can wait until tomorrow but she MUST be seen by a vet and the bite Must be reported to the vet and the local animal control authorities.

Dog bites can do a lot of damage that you cannot see on the outside, aside from the rabies issue. Your dog DOES need to see a vet tomorrow.

Dogs WILL act normal even when they are really hurt because their instinct tells them that if they act hurt they will be killed and eaten, even though you and I know that isn't true. So her "acting normal" is just that- an act.

Let your parents know all the above. You are a good person for being so concerned about this. Please let me know how she does.

Ask the Veterinarian

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Jana Connell RVT, CVT

Expertise

PLEASE READ BEFORE SUBMITTING TO ME: I am NOT a vet and do NOT diagnose diseases. That is only for a licensed Veterinarian to do. I will give you suggestions and steer you toward calling your vet for help. You can call the vet's office and talk to the technician there or the vet at times. Don't be afraid to call them! If you have a serious issue with your pet please post it to one of the veterinarians in here- I will tell you the same thing in my answer. IF your pet is injured or in an emergency situation, CALL YOUR VET- Do not wait and post in here. Just call the vet's office and get them in to see the vet right away. Critical treatment time is lost if you seek answers here when you should have your precious pet at the vets!! Don't sit at home waiting for an answer when your pet is critically ill or injured!! I can answer most questions about small animal and wildlife care as well as small animal nutrition. I can also answer questions about all phases of dental care for small animals. I DO NOT answer questions about birds (unless it is wildlife or songbirds) or HAMSTERS/GERBILS/CHINS/GUINEA PIGS/REPTILES/FROGS/RABBITS/PET BIRDS OF ANY KIND so please submit these questions to the appropriate sections. I, as well as other experts in here, do NOT do homework questions- that is for YOU to do! Please respect these rules for all of us. Thanks!

Experience

I have over 35 years experience in the field of veterinary medicine. I specialized in small animals and did wildlife rehab for over 25 years, mostly raptors, squirrels and opossums. I am a Small Animal Nutritional Consultant with 6 certificates from Hills Pet Foods, CNM and Purina. I also specialized in Small Animal Dentistry which is a field I truly love.

Organizations
Audubon,World Wildlife Federation, American Society of Veterinary Dental Technicians.

Education/Credentials
Licensed with California and Oregon, RVT and CVT. Certified Veterinary Dental Technician Have over 500 logged hours of Continuing Education Credits(that means I keep up to date!).

Awards and Honors
Nominated for Expert of the Month for the last 5 years.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.