Wound Infection Symptoms in Dogs

Your dog is at risk of infection from any type of wound, whether from another dog's bite or an accident. Prolonged redness and swelling are just two of the warning signs that your dog's wound has become infected.
    • Dog bites can become infected.

    Effects

    • Redness, pain, tenderness and swelling can occur at the wound site. These symptoms may reach their worst point 24 hours after the injury occurs.

    Considerations

    • After a day, your dog's pain and other symptoms should start to subside. If your dog's discomfort worsens or the swollen or red area increases in size, the wound might be infected.

    Identification

    • Other symptoms of an infection include a wound that is oozing fluid or pus, especially if it is thick, foul-smelling or yellow or green. Your dog might become lethargic, stop eating or run a fever.

    Types

    • Bite wounds are prime candidates for infection since they puncture the layers of skin and transmit bacteria deep below the surface. Your veterinarian will probably prescribe antibiotics for your dog.

    Warning

    • Look for swelling located elsewhere in the body, especially if your dog has a bite wound. That swelling occurs when fluids move through tissues and collect in a lower area.