Fighting is normal in the canine world. Dog owners are aware of these animal’s inclination to fight thus preventive measures are commonly undertaken. To lessen the dog’s aggression the owner should undertake the task of socializing and training the pet. Whenever dogs are put together in one place dog fights are big possibilities as these animals are pack oriented and territorial. Preventing dog fights can be difficult because fighting is innate in canines and even play fights can turn into full blown fights where dogs will injure each other.

Dog fights can result to mild and to serious injuries. The jaws of dogs have immense strength and even though dogs are protected by fur, the dog bite that can deliver about 400 pounds of pressure can cause serious injuries. The injuries sustained by the dog may appear minor because only small puncture marks can be seen on the dog’s skin. However, the dog bite can cause extensive damage underneath the dog’s skin. Because of the strength of the jaws, a dog’s bite that punctures the skin can also damage tendons and tissues. A dog bite can injure vital organs and blood vessels. A dog can die from fatal wounds on the throat and on the abdomen.

Bleeding wounds on the face, ears, neck and legs can be easily noticed by the dog owner. Puncture wounds are usually non-bleeders and if the dog was bitten on the body part thickly covered with fur locating the dog’s injuries would be difficult. A dog’s mouth has large amounts of bacteria thus the risk that the dog bite will get infected is high. After a dog fight, the owner has to thoroughly check the dog’s body for bite wounds.

Dogs have the ability to heal themselves and in most cases bite wounds would heal even without treatments. Serious dog bite wounds though have to have treatments. First aid must be given as well to stabilize the dog’s condition and to save the pet from suffering extra pain.

Aggression is an inherent behavior of dogs and an injured pet can inadvertently hurt the human family. Thus the dog has to be muzzled for the protection of the person that will administer the first aid treatments. The bite wounds have to be thoroughly washed with hydrogen peroxide to lessen the risk of infection. Bacteria trapped underneath the skin and cause infection because puncture wound can heal very fast. Severely bleeding wound can be controlled by applying direct pressure. A towel or cloth can be used to apply pressure on the wound. Even if the first aid administered by the owner has stabilized the condition of the injured pet, a vet’s attention will still be necessary.

Read more about dog bites and first aid for dogs at Sarah’s Dogs.