I have two dogs, an 18 month old bitch and a 9 month old dog (both entire) I came home from work today to find my dog with a cut on his muzzle, it wasn't too deep but is about 1/2 inch long. My two are usually left alone together for no more than 4 hours per day (often less) as I only work part time and my partner does shift work. I assume he got the cut through rough play (as they are big dogs and do play roughly). However, I am slightly worried that it may have been slightly more than that and am unsure whether to leave them alone in future. I can keep them separated if necessary (I made sure of this when we got one of each sex as I have no plans on breeding) but don't really want to do this. From observing the two of them it is the male who is dominant over the female, they have cut each other when playing before but only tiny cuts and we were with them at those times.

I guess all i'm asking for is reassurance that they will be okay when left alone together. They are curled up asleep together at the moment - the only time I separate them is when they are being fed (which is only on either side of the dog gate).

Thank you for you response.

When was your girl last in season, she could be due to come in as they can become a bit feisty about 3 weeks before, of course you will need them to be seperated for about 4 weeks when she is in season.