Bite wounds in dogs and cats: symptoms, treatment and when to see a vet

Summary

What is a bite wound?

A bite wound occurs when the teeth of another animal puncture, crush or tear the skin and underlying tissues. Although some bite wounds look minor on the surface, the damage beneath the skin can be much more extensive.

Dog bites can cause crushing and tearing injuries, while cat bites often produce narrow, deep punctures that may seal over quickly and trap bacteria beneath the skin. This can lead to infection, cellulitis or an abscess, and deeper bites may damage muscles, joints, bones or internal organs.

Because the seriousness of a bite wound can be difficult to judge by appearance alone, any bite that breaks the skin should be assessed by a veterinarian promptly.

Expert advice from Dr Felicia:

Any laceration or puncture without a known cause should be considered a potential bite, as bites can often go unnoticed. It is important for a vet to assess the location and proximity to vital structures as well as whether closure is appropriate.

Cost of wounds from fights or bites for dogs and cats

Fight or bite wounds, coupled with wounds from traumatic injuries, ranked in the top 10 most common health issue experienced by dogs and cats in 2025, according to PetSure claims data.

Symptoms of bite injuries in dogs and cats

A bite injury can range from a tiny nick on the skin to an obviously visible gash. However, even a barely visible bite wound can cause damage to the underlying tissue, such as internal bleeding or nerve damage due to the crushing effect on tissues from the teeth.

Symptoms of bite injuries may include:

• An open wound (which may be obscured by fur)
• A puncture to the skin
• Bleeding
• Reluctance to be touched or held
• Raised bump or abscess at site
• Fever from infection
• Loss of appetite
• Licking of the injured area

Expert advice from Dr Felicia:

Some pets with wounds are very understandably defensive about allowing examination of the area. If you aren’t able to get a good look, your vet may be able to gently restrain your pet or give a light sedation to facilitate a thorough look.

There are certain symptoms that require immediate emergency treatment. These include:

• Uncontrollable bleeding (bleeding that can’t be stopped)
• Breathing difficulty
• Weakness
• Continuous crying or whining from pain
• Limping
• Pale or blue gums
• Vomiting
• Lethargy, from pain or infection
• Collapse

Causes of bite injuries in dogs

Bite injuries to dogs are most likely to occur when interacting with strange dogs in an uncontrolled setting, such as running free at the dog park. However, it is not only unfamiliar animals that bite; a fight with a co-habiting dog may result in a bite. Obviously bites from larger dogs are often more impactful than from smaller dogs and the result can be more serious, but it is not only large dogs that bite and even a small dog can cause significant damage to another animal.

Bite injuries in dogs can occur during interactions with unfamiliar dogs as well as between dogs living in the same household. Situations involving fear, anxiety, pain, high arousal, frustration, territorial behaviour or guarding valued resources such as food, toys or resting places can contribute to conflict.

Puppies commonly use their mouths during play and exploration; this normal developmental behaviour should not automatically be interpreted as aggression. If a dog regularly growls, lunges, snaps or bites, particularly if the behaviour is increasing, veterinary and qualified behavioural advice can help identify the underlying triggers and reduce the risk of further incidents.

Expert advice from Dr Felicia:

Dog bites unfortunately can happen anywhere. If your dog gets bitten, getting a vet to check them over and starting pre-emptive pain relief/antibiotics can get your dog on the road to recovery ASAP.

Causes of bite injuries in cats

In cats, a bite wound usually occurs because of a fight or rough play. Even usually friendly cats can get into an altercation with another cat, dog or other domesticated or wild animal. Co-habiting cats can have disputes over resources such as food, toys or a favourite sitting spot and resort to the use of teeth and claws.

A cat’s teeth are particularly sharp and can penetrate easily into flesh, making even brief conflicts between cats a potentially dangerous experience. A quick but penetrating bite can allow bacteria from the mouth to enter the tissues under the victim’s skin. If the resultant wound bleeds freely and easily, the bacteria can be flushed out of the tissues along with the blood. However, if the wound seals up quickly or is more of a puncture than a tear, bacteria will remain in the tissues, causing an infection-filled sac, or abscess, to form.

Cat fights can also expose cats to infectious diseases. Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is transmitted particularly efficiently through deep bite wounds. Depending on the circumstances of the fight and the other cat’s health status, your veterinarian may recommend FIV and/or FeLV testing, sometimes with repeat testing after the appropriate interval.

What should you do if your dog or cat is bitten?

Once the animals have been safely separated, check your pet carefully without putting yourself at risk of being bitten by a frightened or painful animal.

If the wound is bleeding, apply gentle but firm pressure with clean gauze or a clean cloth. Keep your pet calm and restrict activity while arranging veterinary advice.

Do not probe puncture wounds, apply harsh disinfectants or give human pain medication. Even if the skin wound appears tiny, veterinary assessment is recommended because bite wounds can extend much deeper than they appear.

Go directly to an emergency vet if your pet has difficulty breathing, uncontrollable bleeding, pale or blue gums, severe weakness, marked pain or collapse.

How are bite injuries in dogs and cats diagnosed?

While large injuries obviously require medical attention, even smaller wounds that appear to be minor can become life-threatening problems if not properly treated. It can be difficult to determine the extent of the injuries sustained, particularly if the wounds are in heavily furred areas of the body or the dog or cat is reluctant to tolerate examination. Small puncture wounds from canine or feline teeth can close over rapidly and can easily be missed.

Because the extent of a bite injury can be difficult to judge from the surface, any bite that breaks the skin should be assessed by a veterinarian as soon as practical. Seek immediate emergency care if there is uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing, marked weakness, pale or blue gums, severe pain or collapse.

Diagnosis of a bite wound will rely primarily on the history provided by the owner. It is important to provide the vet with as much information as possible, including:

• The approximate time frame and location of the bite wound
• Any changes in behaviour noted, eg. Licking, limping, loss of appetite

The vet will conduct a thorough physical examination of the animal to:

• Determine the severity of the initial bite wound.
• To search for any additional wounds that may be hidden by fur, which may require shaving the fur.

 Treatment for bite injuries in dogs and cats

Treatment depends on the location and severity of the bite and whether deeper tissues have been damaged. The immediate priorities are to stabilise the pet if necessary, control pain and bleeding, thoroughly assess the extent of the injury and clean contaminated tissue. Treatment may involve wound flushing, removal of damaged tissue, antibiotics, pain relief, drainage, surgery or imaging, depending on the individual injury.

Expert advice from Dr Felicia:

Occasionally with bite injuries it can take some time for the injured tissue to demonstrate that it isn’t viable. This means that if the wound is closed with sutures, the sutured tissue may show the extent of damage in the coming days, necessitating a second surgery.

Antibiotics and infection

Bite wounds are contaminated with bacteria and puncture wounds are particularly prone to infection. Your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics depending on the type, location, contamination and age of the wound and whether infection is already present.

Infected wounds or wounds that do not respond as expected may be cultured so the bacteria can be identified and the most appropriate antibiotic selected. Early veterinary assessment and thorough cleaning reduce the risk of complications.

If the animal does not respond to broad-spectrum antibiotics, bacterial culture and sensitivity tests should be performed to determine which bacteria are present and the best antibiotics to treat them.

Additional treatment

• Bite wounds are usually very painful; the vet may administer pain medication or a sedative or anaesthetic before attempting to assess the extent of the injuries.
• The fur surrounding the wound may be shaved to lessen the potential for further contamination and provide better access to the site.
• The wound may be thoroughly cleaned and flushed to remove any contaminants and debris.
• For extensive or severely contaminated wounds, or wounds in sensitive areas of the body (such as near the eyes, mouth or ears), a general anaesthetic may be administered so that the area can be safely and thoroughly cleaned and treated.
• Small puncture wounds will usually be left open so that any infection can drain out.
• Large lacerations will be sutured (stitched).
• Temporary draining tubes may be inserted if the damage is extensive or if there is a risk that fluid will build up in the area.
• Most lacerations will be ‘debrided’ (any infected or compromised skin tissue will be cut away and the edges of the laceration will be trimmed).
• Skin wounds may be enlarged to allow the underlying tissues to be thoroughly examined and cleaned.
• Abscesses may be lanced so that bacteria and body fluids can drain away.
• X-ray or ultrasound may be used to look for broken bones and to evaluate whether the chest or abdomen is involved for wounds on the trunk.

Ongoing care and management

With appropriate follow-up care and adherence to the recommended course of medications and wound care, the animal has an excellent chance of a full recovery from their bite wound injury. Ongoing care and management after a bite injury may include the following: 

• If the wound has been closed with sutures, you will need to keep the area clean and dry.
• If the wound has been left open to heal, or if a drain is inserted in the wound, you will need to regularly clean away any draining material.
• If the animal has had stitches or a drain tube, a follow-up appointment and potential procedure may be required in order for these items to be removed.
• Ensure that the animal is kept comfortable and quiet to promote healing.
• The dog or cat may need to wear a cone or other appropriate limiting device to prevent licking, scratching and grooming of the wound site.
• Do not allow your animal to roam freely and keep your dog on a short lead when you are outdoors, especially if you are in a park.
• Be aware of behavioural changes in your animal after suffering from a bite wound, such as being fearful or aggressive around other animals.

Expert advice from Dr Felicia:

In the period after a bite it is important to closely monitor your dog or cat, if there is any sign of worsening heat in the area, swelling, foul odour or other deterioration, another vet visit is in order.

Prognosis

The prognosis for bite injury in dogs and cats depends on many factors, including the severity of the wound, the promptness of diagnosis and treatment and the age and overall health of the animal. Another important factor is the area of body that has sustained the injury, with mortality occurring more frequently where the bite is to the thoracic (chest) and abdominal areas. While minor injuries to the mouth and nose are likely to heal quickly, bites to the neck or legs can have more serious complications. However, in most non-life threatening cases, the animal should make a complete recovery with prompt and proper treatment.

Reducing the risk of bite injuries

Not every fight can be prevented, but risk can be reduced by supervising interactions with unfamiliar animals, recognising signs of fear or escalating tension and avoiding forcing dogs to interact when they are uncomfortable.

In multi-pet homes, provide adequate space and separate valued resources such as food, resting areas and toys if they trigger conflict. Introduce new cats gradually, and keeping cats indoors or providing secure outdoor access can reduce encounters with roaming cats.

If your dog or cat is repeatedly involved in fights, speak to your veterinarian about possible medical, environmental or behavioural contributors.

In summary

A bite injury in a dog or cat can range from a tiny nick on the skin to a serious, penetrating wound. The seriousness of a bite injury should not be underestimated; a barely visible bite wound can cause damage to the underlying tissue and a small puncture of the skin can result in a serious dog bite infection. Severe injuries to the thoracic and abdominal areas can be fatal in some cases. Therefore, all bite wounds should be assessed by the veterinarian as soon as possible.

Treatment for a bite injury will typically include a broad-spectrum antibiotic to lessen the chance that a serious infection will develop. The vet will assess the wound and determine whether additional treatment is necessary, such as debriding the wound or suturing the would closed. Bite injuries can be life-threatening if left untreated; however, in most non-life-threatening cases, the animal should make a complete recovery with prompt and proper treatment.

^ØBased on PetSure claims data, 2025 calendar year. Reimbursement for these claims under a pet insurance policy would be subject to limits, such as annual benefit limits or sub-limits, benefit percentage, applicable waiting periods and any applicable excess. Cover is subject to the policy terms and conditions. You should consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement or policy wording available from the relevant provider. Please note that values calculated are based on all claims for that condition and medically related conditions in each calendar year.

Sources:

“Management of Specific Wounds in Small Animals”, Merck Veterinary Manual. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/emergency-medicine-and-critical-care/wound-management-in-small-animals/management-of-specific-wounds-in-small-animals. Accessed 22 September 2026.

“Initial Wound Management in Small Animals”, Merck Veterinary Manual. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/emergency-medicine-and-critical-care/wound-management-in-small-animals/initial-wound-management-in-small-animals. Accessed 22 September 2026.

“Wound Management”, Merck Veterinary Manual. https://www.merckvetmanual.com/special-pet-topics/emergencies/wound-management. Accessed 22 September 2026.

“My dog is being aggressive, what should I do?”, RSPCA Knowledgebase. https://kb.rspca.org.au/categories/companion-animals/dogs/behaviour/my-dog-is-being-aggressive-what-should-i-do. Accessed 22 September 2026.

“Transmission – Feline Retrovirus Toolkit”, Feline Veterinary Medical Association. https://catvets.com/resource/retrovirus-toolkit-transmission/. Accessed 22 September 2026.

“Common Dog Health Conditions: Top 10 Health Issues in 2025”, PetSure, 2026. https://petsure.com.au/?p=18031. Accessed 22 September 2026.

“Vet Services Guide – Fight or Bite Wound”, PetSure. https://petsure.com.au/pet-insurance-for-pet-owners/vet-services-guide/. Accessed 22 September 2026.