PupkeeperCaution
Monkey bites and dogs: what to do
Caution. A monkey bite can be deeper than it looks and often gets infected, and monkeys, like other mammals, can carry rabies. Call your vet now.
If your dog ate or touched this, call your vet or a pet poison line now
United States
Poison lines in other countries: United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, France, JM, PR, Singapore, Switzerland, TT, VI
Monkey bites and dogs: key facts
What to do now
- Call your vet now.
- For heavy bleeding, press a clean, dry cloth on the wound and go straight to a vet.
- For small bites, flush the wound with lukewarm salty water.
- Tell your vet if your dog's rabies vaccine is not up to date.
Symptoms to watch for
- Bleeding that won't stop
- Trouble breathing
- Weakness
- Crying or whining
- Limping
- Pale or blue gums
- Collapse
Why
Mouths are full of bacteria, so bites often get infected, and damage under the skin can be hidden. Rabies spreads through bites and scratches and is almost always fatal once signs appear, so it matters whether your dog's rabies vaccine is up to date.
Sources
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Bite Wounds in Dogs
- PDSA: First Aid for Bite Wounds
- World Health Organization: Rabies Fact Sheet
Guide reviewed 9 October 2026. Page updated 7 November 2026.
General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.