A bite wound is one of the most typical reasons dog owners take their pets to the emergency vet clinic. It is possible that another dog in the household was responsible for the bite wound or that it was sustained during a struggle with an unfamiliar stray dog.
Both these conditions are unfortunate for pet parents. But if your dog is bitten, what’s the cost of dog bite treatment?
The cost of dog bite treatment (on dogs) usually varies from $300 to $2000. The huge variation is due to wound type and severity. Minor dog bite wounds can cost around $300 to $500 (when they are serious enough to be treated by a veterinary), while significant wounds in which there are chances of bone breakage can cost between $500 to $2000.
Factors affecting the dog blockage treatment cost
The following are some of the factors that can have a substantial impact on the total cost of dog bite treatment:
- Type of bite wound: Minor/ superficial wounds cost around $300 to $500, while major/deep wounds can cost around $500 to $2000.
- Bite wound size: The total price will increase proportionately to the dog’s wound size; the larger the dog bite wound, the higher the price will be.
- Vet experience: An experienced veterinarian may charge more than a typical veterinarian would.
- Geography: Location is a factor that might make certain states more expensive than others.
- Amount of time spent at the animal hospital or clinic: The amount of time your pet must spend at the veterinary hospital before and after a procedure on him or her can also impact the total cost.
How severely do dog bites cause wounds?
Bites from dogs can cause considerable damage to the affected dog’s skin and the sensitive tissues underneath it. The dog’s teeth and jaws are powerful, and the wounds they inflict have the potential to crush or rip muscles and skin, puncture through the chest wall and cause the lungs to collapse, or cause catastrophic or deadly damage to the digestive organs. Even a bite that doesn’t break the skin might crush or bruise sensitive tissues.
Wounds caused by bites are typically found on the dog’s legs or in the area around the neck and face. Major blood arteries, a multitude of nerves, the esophagus, and the trachea are all vital systems located in the neck and can be easily harmed. Injuries to the face can potentially create serious problems with the eyes, ears, or jaw. If the victim has bite wounds on their legs, there is a possibility that the injury will spread to the joints.
The dog’s mouth is teeming with germs, so if it bites another dog and punctures its skin, those bacteria and other infectious organisms in the dog’s mouth will be introduced below the skin’s surface.
They will grow and spread all across the underlying tissues. As a result, it is safest to assume that any wound caused by a bite is either contaminated or infected.
If an infected bite wound is not treated, the bacteria that are present might develop a localized abscess or a more widespread form of cellulitis, which is an infection of the tissue that spreads across the surrounding region.
Does dog bites covered by pet insurance?
Yes, many pet insurance policies cover the cost of dog bites. Although health insurance for your dog may not be absolutely necessary, there is always the possibility that your pet’s life might be in jeopardy if you do not have it.
Because of a lack of financial resources, many pet owners have been forced to make the difficult decision to put their family pet to sleep rather than pay for a costly operation that may save its life.
The medical care required to save a dog that another dog has bitten would likely cost the owner more than two thousand dollars. So, having health insurance for your pet might come in very helpful, especially in unanticipated situations.
How to prevent your dogs from other dogs’ bites?
When you are outside, do not let your dog run free, and keep your pup on a short, tight leash at all times, but this is especially important when you are at a park.
It is highly suggested that basic obedience training begin as early as possible in a dog’s life since well-mannered dogs are less prone to engage in aggressive behavior.
When you are outside with your own dog, and you encounter a stray dog that is roaming free, it is essential that you do not approach the stray dog. Regardless of how nice and calm your dog is, you can never be sure of the other dog’s personality.
Conclusion
The treatment costs of dog bites (on dogs) typically range from $300 to $2,000 but can go higher in some cases. The vast range can be attributed to the different types and degrees of wounds.