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If your pet has severe or multiple injuries after a dog bite incident, this is considered \u201cRED\u201d \u2013 or a true emergency \u2013 on our Fast Track Triage system. We advise you to seek immediate veterinary care. Please call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you! <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Note that a small wound or laceration with no signs of current infection are considered a \u201cYELLOW\u201d \u2013 or semi-urgent case \u2013 on our Fast Track Triage system. We recommend having your pet evaluated by your family veterinarian or local animal emergency hospital within 24 hours. Call ahead of your arrival so the veterinary team knows to expect you, and if your pet\u2019s condition worsens, call the team back to inform them of the status change. <\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Warmer weather often means trips to the dog park. If they\u2019re a good fit<\/a> for your dog, dog parks can enrich your pup\u2019s life with exercise and play. Unfortunately, dog parks are inherently risky, with dog bites as a big concern. Since dog bite incidents most commonly occur at dog parks, it\u2019s important for dog parents to be extra cautious and to know what to do when a bite happens.<\/p>\n While at the <\/span>dog park<\/span>, it\u2019s important for a dog parent to monitor their dog closely, especially if off-leash, and to know how <\/span>your dog responds to other dogs. <\/span>It\u2019ll be up to you to distinguish <\/span>when to intervene or remove <\/span>your<\/span> dog from an unwelcome interaction. <\/span>Here are a few tips to help avoid a dog bite incident:\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n After a scuffle, comb through your dog\u2019s fur very carefully<\/span> \u2013 small bites and punctures are often hidden in thick fur!<\/span> If your dog only has scratches or bruises, but no broken skin or bleeding, it is generally safe to monitor your dog at home.<\/span> In the fo<\/span>llowing situations though, always <\/span>seek veterinary <\/span>treatment<\/span>:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If your pet sustains a severe bite wound and is bleeding excessively, get to your family veterinarian or local animal emergency hospital as soon as possible. Always call ahead. If possible, as you transport your pet, do the following:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Note:<\/span><\/span> If a puncture seems small, <\/span><\/span>never ever<\/span><\/span> attempt to close the wound wi<\/span>th glue, sutures, staples, etc<\/span>. If closed without proper treatment, debriding, and antibiotics, these small wounds can turn into severe, life-threatening pockets of deep infection.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n We hope these tips help keep your dog safe at the dog park <\/span>during these warmer Minnesota months. <\/span>Remember, ALWAYS monitor yo<\/span>ur dog<\/span> while at the dog park and <\/span>keep a close eye on <\/span>interactions with other dogs.<\/span> We <\/span>also recommend keeping a <\/span><\/span>pet first aid kit<\/span><\/span><\/a> in your car, along with a spare towel or t-shirt \u2013 just in case! If your dog <\/span>does get bitten or <\/span>sustains any other<\/span> type of <\/span>injury and your family veterinarian is unavailable, <\/span>our Oakdale facility is open 24\/7 and our St. Paul facility is currently open from 8 AM \u2013 8 PM, every day of the week. <\/span>Always call ahead of your arrival. You can also call for<\/span> advice and further instruction <\/span>if you aren\u2019t su<\/span>re what to do.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n More reading:\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n
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<\/p>\nTips to Avoid Bites:<\/span><\/span><\/h4>\n
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![\"dog](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Dog-Park-Blog-3.png\")
<\/p>\nWhat <\/span>To<\/span> Do if a Bite Occurs<\/span> & When to Go to the Vet:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
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![\"dog](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Dog-Park-Blog-4.png\")
<\/p>\nWhat to Do When Severe Bites Occur:<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n
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