Whether your dog has been attacked by another dog at the park or you find your cat coming home injured from a fight, it can be a frightening experience. Knowing what to do in those first few moments can make a big difference in your pet’s recovery. Here’s how to stay calm, assess injuries, and ensure your pet gets the emergency vet care they need.
If your pet is injured from a fight, seek immediate attention from your nearest veterinary centre. MediPaws in Sydney’s Inner West is available 24/7 to support you and your pet with experienced emergency vets and dedicated emergency facilities. Contact us now or visit our emergency page to find out how we can help.
Stop the fight & ensure safety
Stay calm to keep your pet calm
Your pet will pick up on your emotions. Try to stay as calm and composed as possible to avoid increasing their stress or fear. It will also help you think clearly and take the right next steps.
Ensure your own safety first
Before helping your pet, take the precautions necessary to ensure your own safety first, ensuring there is no immediate danger to you. Be aware that your startled or injured pet may inadvertently bite or scratch, even if they are normally gentle! Be mindful of this when attempting to restrain or pick up your pet after any incident
Separate all animals involved
Gently separate the animals to prevent further injury to your pet or yourself.
- If the fight is still ongoing, only intervene if it is safe to do so.
- Use a barrier like tables or chairs to physically separate individuals.
- Never place your hand near mouths.
Importantly, do not put yourself at risk and ensure your own safety first when handling either animal – including your own pet!
Assess the situation
Check for injuries
Once the situation is under control, assess your pet for injuries.
- Look for wounds, bleeding, flailing limbs, or other signs of trauma.
- If your pet is actively bleeding, gently apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or bandage.
- Handle your pet with care – they may have spinal or internal injuries that are not immediately visible.
- Do not attempt to clean wounds deeply yourself, as this can worsen injuries or cause unnecessary pain.
Call your emergency vet
Seek veterinary advice as soon as possible, even if the wounds appear minor. Your vet will be able to advise you on your next steps.
- Contact your regular veterinarian immediately for advice.
- During after-hours, call your nearest 24-hour emergency vet hospital, as your primary care clinic will not be staffed.
- If the attacking animal is not under control, contact animal control or local authorities to prevent further incidents.
In the case of a life-threatening emergency, don’t delay care and bring your pet straight to your nearest vet hospital. At MediPaws, you do not need to register or call us before a critical care visit.
Call emergency services (000 in Australia) if you or anyone else has sustained any injuries.
Take notes and photos
Document the situation that led to the injuries for medical and legal purposes:
- Take clear photos of all visible injuries to your pet and other involved animals.
- Write down what happened, including time, location, and a description of the other animal.
- If you reported the incident to the council or animal control, record the details of the call.
Emergency?
Emergencies are stressful, but getting care for your pet shouldn’t be. We are here 24/7 for you and your pet.
Stay Prepared
Register your pet before your visit to ensure faster processing times and receive a free emergency consult.
Seek medical care
Bring your pet to the vet
Even if injuries seem minor, animal bite injuries can cause serious tissue damage, and it is always safer to have your pet examined by a veterinarian.
- Dog bite injuries often cause severe crushing or internal injuries that are not visible on the skin due to high pressure from dogs’ jaws.
- Cat fight wounds frequently become infected because cats’ mouths harbour bacteria that can be injected deep into the tissue during a bite, leading to abscesses or fever.
- Delaying treatment of contaminated wounds from bite or scratch injuries can result in serious infections or complications if left unmanaged.
Your vet may recommend:
- Wound cleaning and suturing
- Antibiotics and pain relief
- Tetanus or rabies vaccinations (depending on circumstances)
- Sedation for thorough examination and wound flushing
Transport your pet carefully
While transporting your pet to the vet:
- Keep your pet comfortable and calm during transit to avoid causing additional stress.
- Avoid handling of the injured areas. If you suspect a spinal injury, support the head and spine during travel.
Following treatment: watch for signs of infection or pain
Once your pet is back home, make sure you follow any prescribed treatments and medications. Monitor your pet closely for any changes:
- Subtle signs of infection around the wound, including: swelling, redness, or discharge.
- Lethargy, lack of appetite, or sudden behaviour changes.
- Dog ear infections and cat abscesses are commonly seen after bites.
If you notice any concerning symptoms, contact your vet again immediately.
Recovery and post-fight care
An animal attack can be a traumatic event for both you and your pet. After treatment, it is important to provide a safe and supportive environment for your pet’s emotional and physical recovery.
Create a calm environment: Provide a quiet, comfortable space where your pet can rest and feel secure. Avoid stressful situations or interactions with other animals during recovery.
Rebuild confidence slowly: Use positive reinforcement (like treats and praise) to encourage calm behaviour. Gradually reintroduce your pet to other animals or environments in a controlled, low-stress way.
Prevent future incidents: Watch for triggers, use a leash in unfamiliar situations, and be mindful of your pet’s body language. If needed, consider professional training or behavioural support to help your pet regain confidence.
🐾 MediPaws in Sydney’s Inner West is available 24/7 to support you and your pet with experienced emergency vets and dedicated cat facilities. Contact us for any advice or visit our emergency page to find out how we can help.
