Innocent though they may seem, puncture wounds need to be treated with caution. Just like a bite wound, puncture wounds may be the tip of the iceberg and not readily show the true seriousness of the underlying damage. Flush and apply a topical antibiotic. If you know the wound is not highly traumatic, you may simply keep a close eye on the area and seek veterinary help if swelling and inflammation occur.

Unlike humans, pets seldom get tetanus. Generally, a tetanus shot is not needed for dogs. On extremely rare occasions, a deep puncture wound that is contaminated could create a serious muscle and nerve disorder.