Things You'll Need
- Diphenhydramine
- Plastic freezer bag
- Ice
- Sterile gauze pad
- Roller gauze
- Antibiotic ointment
Instructions
Apply an ice pack to the bite to reduce the associated symptoms, such as localized pain, itching, swelling and tissue damage. Pack crushed ice into a plastic freezer bag and wrap a towel around the bag. Gently place the ice pack onto the affected area and hold it in place as long as the dog will tolerate it.
Call your veterinarian to approve giving your dog diphenhydramine (Benadryl), which dogs generally tolerate well and can be given at a dosage rate of 1 milligram per pound of body weight. The drug helps lower the chance of swelling and reduces the itchiness associated with the bite. It can also add valuable minutes to the clock if your dog appears to be having a life-threatening allergic reaction and needs medical intervention.
Clean the affected area with warm water. In most cases, the bite wound will be too small to see with the naked eye, however it is still large enough to become infected, especially if the dog is licking it or if the affected area becomes ulcerated. Dry the area thoroughly and apply a small amount of antibacterial ointment. Cover the area with a dry, sterile gauze pad and wrap with water-resistant Vet wrap or roller gauze.
Check the area regularly. The bite area should be cleaned, ointment reapplied, and fresh bandages applied once per day until all the residual swelling is gone. The bite should heal in a couple of days, but if the dog shows any signs of infection, such as continued swelling, open wounds, fever or lethargy, seek immediate veterinary care.