Take him to the vet?

    • Gold Top Dog

    Take him to the vet?

    Yesterday we had a family bbq over at my uncle's and there were about 4 dogs there (including Tyson). There was a scuffle later that night between Tyson and one of my cousin's dogs. I dont know what set them off because we blocked the dogs off on their deck but Tyson jumped over the barrier and when I brought him back in, the fight broke out. Anyway my cousin and I separated them and then they were fine again (they were fine all day). Anyway today I noticed that there was a slightly dark spot on Tyson's face, about 2 inches from his eye and it turns out that the other dog may have drawn blood. It's a really small injury and there wasn't enough bleeding for it to be noticeable. I cut away some of the fur around the area, cleaned it up with water and hydrogen peroxide and applied neosporin to it. Thankfully its in a spot where he can't lick at it. I'm wondering if I should bring him in to the vet? It's a little less than 1/2 cm long and its not deep at all. I called my vet to see if I could just pick up antibiotics for him but he can't do that unless I bring him in. Thanks. This is the first time I've had to deal with something with this. I guess the biggest concern here would be infection.
    • Gold Top Dog

     I'd probably keep an eye on it and take him in if it swells or gets redder, but otherwise treat it at home by keeping it clean and dry.  I usually do that with scratches the dogs get while hiking, but take the dog to the vet if it's a puncture or deep cut, in a really active location (bottom of the foot, over a joint, etc.), or if there any signs of it being painful after the initial injury.

    • Gold Top Dog

    If it's not deep, I'd just watch it.  If it starts looking worse, then I'd take him in.

    • Gold Top Dog

    Given our recent eye injury experience....I'd take him in for antibiotics.  Sounds like you did the wound cleansing just fine, but.....

    • Gold Top Dog
    I looked at the wound this morning and it looked much better. I think I'll keep an eye on it and clean it thrice a day. The wound doesnt seem to be bothering him. Thanks for the advice!