Always take proper restraint measures when going out

Fighting between dogs is inevitable. Although many owners hold their dogs on leashes, we cannot guarantee all owners will do so. Also, some dog fights happen suddenly; dogs that used to get along well may quarrel over a toy or what we consider an insignificant action. Where there is a fight, there is a possibility of injury. So which parts of a dog are relatively more prone to injuries during fights?

1. Neck

The neck is the most commonly attacked part by dogs. When the dogs are of similar size, they usually attack each other's neck first. Puppies, being smaller, tend to attack the abdomen and front paws of larger dogs. If a dog's neck is punctured and bleeding but not seriously, you can disinfect and bandage the wound yourself, then closely monitor it. Minor bite wounds usually pose no big problem after cleaning. However, some dogs have longer teeth, causing deeper wounds when biting. If the wound is not cleaned timely, it may become infected and purulent. In this case, a visit to the vet is necessary to flush, disinfect, medicate the wound, administer anti-inflammatory injections, and continue treatment for several days.

2. Ears

Dogs usually choose to attack relatively vulnerable parts, and the neck is a common target. But since opponents dodge, biting the neck can be difficult. Because some dogs have longer ears, they may get injured there as well. Once a dog bites and holds on to a part, it is hard to release. Thin ear flaps are easily bitten through or even torn off. Therefore, ear bites are common in dog fights.

Always check the entire body for injuries after a dog fight

3. Eyes

Besides biting with their mouths, dogs also use their front paws to scratch opponents. Eyes are vulnerable to injury, especially in breeds like Pugs and Pekingese. Since eyes are fragile, even if not injured, scratches can cause infections and inflammation. Therefore, eyes should be the first place to check after a fight.

4. Teeth

When seeing dogs fight, owners' first reaction is to pull them apart. However, it is difficult to separate fighting dogs. Once a dog bites another, it rarely releases easily. Pulling dogs apart violently causes severe skin injuries to one dog and dental damage to the other. Some elderly dogs may even lose teeth because of this.

Perhaps because more dogs are kept as pets, we forget that their fights can be bloody. Wild canines often fight to protect food and territory. This wild instinct remains in their blood and does not disappear because of domestication. Dog temperaments are unpredictable; two dogs that got along well could quarrel over something. Even usually gentle dogs may suddenly become aggressive. Therefore, for dogs’ safety, proper restraint measures are essential. When introducing two unfamiliar dogs, keep them apart at first and observe their reactions carefully.