Dog fights can be scary, and you can't always tell if your dog is very injured after the fur has stopped flying. Some injuries can be almost impossible to detect at first. It can take days for you to realize there's a problem. If possible, get your dog to a veterinarian immediately. If you can't do this, there are some things you can do, and knowing what to watch for is important.
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Prompt Attention
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The Emergency Veterinary Clinic of Cincinnati recommends immediate veterinary attention in an emergency. If your dog is bleeding profusely, has puncture wounds to her abdomen or chest, is breathing abnormally, has pale gums, can't walk or is very obviously confused or in pain, take it to the nearest veterinary clinic. It's a good strategy to keep the phone number and directions for the closest emergency clinic handy in case of emergencies when regular vet's offices are closed.
If your dog is bleeding heavily, use a sanitary pad or clean towel to compress the wound and stem bleeding. Slashing-type lacerations and open wounds need to be disinfected and stitched up. If you don't have a muzzle handy (this is also a good first-aid item to have on hand) and your dog is trying to bite from pain or fear, wrap gauze or even a belt around its muzzle. If this is too difficult, wrap its head loosely in a blanket or towel so it can still breath, but can't easily bite people trying to help. If you have help, you can also place the dog gently on a blanket and have a partner help carry it slung safely in the blanket. Call ahead to the clinic and calmly give it as much information as possible so it can prepare for your dog's arrival.
Don't use hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol on any wound. Open wounds should be flushed with water to clean them, and it's OK to use an antibiotic solution--or dishwashing soap, in a pinch.
Punctures
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Puncture wounds from dog bites can be virtually impossible to see at first, especially if you have a heavy-coated dog. Use a damp, clean white rag or paper towels carefully over your dog's coat checking for blood--which can be impossible to see on a dark-haired dog. Pay attention to areas that seems damp from the other dog's saliva.
Even if your dog appears OK, keep checking it thoroughly over the next several days. Some puncture wounds don't bleed much initially, but you'll be able to feel them once the scab forms. Clip or shave the fur from around the scab, and apply warm damp compresses several times a day. Puncture wounds should be kept open and draining; when they scab over they're more likely to develop very nasty infections. If you see any redness or swelling, if there's an odor, or your dog is acting lethargic, it needs to be seen by your veterinarian for antibiotics and possible flushing of the wound.
Bruising, Crushing and Internal Injuries
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Not all injuries from dog fights involve bites or open wounds. Some bites can crush or compress without breaking the skin. This is more common if a small dog is bitten by a much larger one. Even if there are no visible wounds, be aware your dog may have crushed or broken bones or internal injuries.
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