Dog Fights
Aggressive physical confrontation between dogs can involve biting and growling, it’s important to know when it’s gone from play to something more serious.
What is a Dog Fight?
Aggressive physical confrontation between dogs can involve biting and growling. Fights can be triggered by various factors such as territorial disputes, dominance struggles, or fear. These encounters can result in injuries, ranging from minor scratches to severe wounds, and may require immediate veterinary care.
At My Corner Vet Nedlands, we provide expert and emergency treatment to help your pet in the case of a dog fight.
Signs Your Pet May Have Been Involved in a Dog Fight
If your dog has been in a fight, you may notice:
🐾 Visible injuries – Bite marks, cuts, puncture wounds, and bruising on the skin
🐾 Excessive bleeding – From torn skin or deep punctures
🐾 Limping or lameness – Indicating injury to limbs or joints
🐾 Behavioural changes – Fearful, anxious, or aggressive behaviour following the fight
🐾 Swelling or abscesses – Swollen areas of the body that may indicate an infection
What Causes Dog Fights?
Several factors can trigger a dog fight, including:
🐾 Territorial aggression – Dogs defending their home or space
🐾 Social dominance – Struggles for dominance or leadership between dogs
🐾 Fear or anxiety – A dog that feels threatened may react aggressively
🐾 Resource guarding – Protecting food, toys, or human attention
🐾 Overstimulation – Dogs that become too excited during play may unintentionally escalate into aggressive behaviour
🐾 Lack of socialisation – Dogs that haven’t been properly socialized may react negatively to other dogs
🐾 Past trauma or history of aggression – Dogs that have experienced abuse or negative interactions with other dogs may be more prone to fighting
When to See a Vet
If your dog has been involved in a fight, seek veterinary care immediately if you notice:
✔ Deep or bleeding wounds that don’t stop after applying pressure
✔ Puncture wounds that could lead to infections
✔ Limping or lameness
✔ Swelling or abscess formation
Even minor injuries can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly, including infections or internal damage.
Professional Dog Fight Treatment at My Corner Vet
At My Corner Vet, we provide comprehensive care for dogs injured in fights, which may include:
Wound Cleaning
To prevent infection and promote healing
Pain Management
Administering medications to reduce pain and inflammation
Surgical Intervention
To close deep wounds or repair damaged tissue
Antibiotics
To prevent or treat bacterial infections from bites or scratches
Behavioural Consultation
We can offer advice on addressing behavioural issues
How to Prevent Dog Fights
🐾 Supervise Playtime – Always monitor your dog’s interactions with other dogs to ensure no aggressive behaviour occurs
🐾 Proper Socialisation – Expose your dog to a variety of other dogs and people in a controlled manner from an early age
🐾 Training and Obedience – Teach your dog basic commands like "sit," "stay," and "leave it" to help control their behaviour in stressful situations
🐾 Avoid Aggressive Dogs – Keep your dog away from known aggressive dogs, especially if they have a history of fighting
🐾 Leash Control – When walking your dog, keep them on a leash to prevent them from approaching unfamiliar dogs
🐾 Neutering/Spaying – In some cases, neutering or spaying can reduce aggressive tendencies, particularly in males
You can take steps to reduce the risk:
If your pet experiences a dog fight, call our vets for immediate treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Remain calm and separate the dogs immediately. Do not try to pull them apart with your hands—use a loud noise or an object to distract them. Once they are separated, assess your dog for injuries and seek veterinary care promptly.
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Training, proper socialization, and supervision are key. Enroll your dog in obedience classes and ensure they are exposed to other dogs in a controlled environment. Always supervise interactions with unfamiliar dogs.
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Yes, dog fights can lead to physical injuries, infections, tissue damage, or broken bones. Psychological trauma can also occur, leading to fear or aggression. Prompt veterinary care and behavior modification can help with recovery.
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Aggressive signs include growling, snarling, lunging, or showing teeth. If your dog exhibits these behaviors, it’s important to address the underlying cause with training and professional behavior consultations.
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Your veterinarian will provide treatment for any physical injuries. At home, keep your dog calm and comfortable, limit their activity to promote healing, and follow your vet’s instructions for wound care and management.
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Book an Appointment at My Corner Vet
🐾 Expert and fast treatment for dog fights
🐾 Same-day appointments available
🐾 A caring, professional team
📍 Clinic Location: 134 Broadway, Nedlands, WA
📞 Call Us: (08) 6285 8535
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If your dog has been in a dog fight and you have concern about their injuries, call your local vet immediately!
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Conveniently located in the heart of Nedlands, My Corner Vet is here for you and your pets. Use the map to find us and plan your visit with ease!
Free parking is available for all patients, just a short 20-step walk to our welcoming waiting room.