10% OFF on ALL Training Supplies! Use Coupon Code STARSTUDENT at checkout! Shop Now >
FREE SHIPPING on ALL Books and DVDs! Use Coupon Code JULYBOOKWORM at checkout! Shop Now >
FREE SHIPPING on ALL First Aid Supplies! Use Coupon Code SHIPSAFETY at checkout! Shop Now >
Your browser's Javascript functionality is turned off. Please turn it on so that you can experience the full capabilities of this site.
If you did not see the bite, signs include a small wound in the skin, puncture marks, swelling, bleeding, and bruising. Systemic signs such as lethargy and anorexia can occur if left untreated.
Learn lifesaving skills in just 35 minutes! Sign up for our online Cat and Dog First Aid Online course today.
Dogs bitten by other animals need vet attention to prevent the wound (even if minor) from becoming infected. Also, a smaller dog that is shaken by a larger dog may have sustained internal injuries.
Check the dog’s ABCs and perform CPR if needed.
Even if it appears like a small wound, all bite wounds should be evaluated by a veterinarian.
Take your dog to the vet as soon as possible.
If possible, find out the rabies vaccination status of the attacking dog or animal and recheck the vaccination status of the bitten dog. If the dog was bitten by a wild animal and the wild animal is dead, call an Animal Control officer so it can be tested for rabies. Do not attempt to capture a live wild animal. Always make sure your pet is up to date on her rabies vaccine.
An infection or abscess may develop within 1-2 days of a bite.
Signs include:
No. Never try to break up a dog fight yourself because you could be bitten.
The American Red Cross Pet First Aid app puts veterinary advice for everyday emergencies in the palm of your hand. With videos, interactive quizzes, and simple step-by-step advice it’s never been easier to know pet first aid. Get the app and be prepared to act when called upon. iOS App, Google Play, or text "GETPET" to 90999.
Be prepared for any pet emergency! Sign up for our 35-minute Cat and Dog First Aid Online course. Learn the basics in caring for cats and dogs through a variety of topics – from understanding and checking your pet's vital signs, to preventative care for cats and dogs, to caring for the most critical emergency situations - including breathing and cardiac emergencies, wounds, bleeding, and seizures.
Our pet first aid online course can be good for: Pet Owners, Pet Sitters, Dog Walkers, and Dog Trainers, Animal Shelter Staff & Volunteers, Groomers, Pet Retail Employees, Other Pet Care Providers, and more!
Register Now!
Pet First Aid information provided by Dr. Debbie Mandell, Professor of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania; American Red Cross National Pet Care Advisor for the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. Visit redcross.org/take-a-class/scientific-advisory-council to see how we work, members, sub councils, scientific reviews, and recent research.
More than 4.6M people turn to us, the trusted training provider for First Aid, CPR, BLS and more, every year to gain lifesaving skills. Trust us to deliver unmatched lifesaving training that will provide you the confidence and skills to act when moments matter. Training Services is a division of the American Red Cross with the mission to spread knowledge and educate as many members of the national community in lifesaving procedures. Our services include training courses for CPR and AED, First Aid, BLS (Basic Life Support), Babysitting, Caregiving, Lifeguarding Water Safety, and more.
