When a dog bites another dog, the consequences can be serious. Veterinary care, surgical costs, and other expenses may be necessary to treat the injured animal. Dogs can suffer physical and emotional trauma from an attack, and the owner must be aware of any changes in behavior. Adrenaline will be high during and after a fight, so it is important to remain calm and secure both dogs on leashes if possible.
If the attacking dog is out of control or dangerous, the police may need to be contacted. If the dog that was attacked frequently behaves aggressively, it may need to be evaluated by a licensed behaviorist.There are many reasons why a dog may bite another dog, but most bites occur when the biter feels threatened. This is a defensive behavior designed to increase the distance between the two animals and decrease the perceived threat. Bites are usually a last resort and only occur after other communication signals have been ignored.
Most owners will do whatever they can to protect their pet from an attacking dog.In the event of a dog bite, professional guidance is essential for the best outcome for both the dog and its family. Stacey Rebello, DVM, MS at NorthStar VETS suggests that owners take care when their pet has been attacked. If there are more serious injuries or if the animal is weak or collapsed, it may need to be admitted to a hospital for stabilization, control, and treatment. Even if a wound appears minor or the dog does not seem distressed by the incident, some injuries can be more serious, particularly if they are deep or affect certain areas of the body such as the neck or eyes.
Therefore, it is always recommended that a veterinarian thoroughly examines any dog that has been bitten.If your dog was bitten by another dog and is inflamed, this indicates a deeper wound that needs to be investigated. Infection is usually the primary concern with any dog bite, but other health problems can arise depending on where and how severely it was bitten. Pain relievers may also be prescribed by your veterinarian to help your pet feel more comfortable.When out walking your dog or in a park without a leash, keep an eye out for signs of anxiety or fear in other dogs. Aggressive dogs can attack other dogs or even people, causing serious injuries and costly medical bills.
In many cases, owners will describe the bite as “out of the blue” even though their pet was likely communicating its discomfort before it bit.Damages for victims of dog-to-dog assaults will include reimbursement of veterinary bills, medications, and kennel or animal hospital fees while the animal is recovering. It is important to stay calm in these situations and know what to look for when evaluating an injury as well as what steps to take next in order to ensure that your pet receives proper care and recovers quickly.
