Dog Bite Treatment

Dog bites affect many people every year. The resulting conditions depend on different factors, but the potential for infection and other medical complications is present in each instance. Immediate medical attention is always recommended, regardless of the presumed severity of the bite or the breed of the dog. Common first aid procedures can be useful in less severe cases, while more serious wounds may require more intensive attention or even hospitalization.

  1. Initial Data Necessary

    • The severity of the wound and the condition of the dog are the first concerns in treating a dog bite. Rabies is the most immediate concern in dog bites. There are factors that indicate the level of infection present at the time of the bite. These would include the length of time that has elapsed since the bite, the health and immunization history of the dog, and the physiological state of the dog at the time of the attack.

    Other Necessary Data

    • According to the AAFP the immunization history of the bite victim concerning tetanus shots is also important in the initial assessment of the dog bite, as are the victim's record of medication dosage (if any) and any allergies they may have. The size and type of wound is relevant, as well as any effect the bite may have had on movement of the wounded area. Readings of the nervous and vascular systems are taken, and photographs may also be part of the original examination.

    Treatment

    • According to Phyllis A. Balch, CNC and James F. Balch, M.D., irrigation, or cleaning out of residue within the wound, is required for optimal examination and treatment of the effects of the bite. Saline or Ringer's lactate solution may also be helpful in controlling the rate of infection. Removal of any dead tissue will be part of the treatment of the wound, although the need to retain as much tissue as possible is important for the closing of the wound. X rays may also be taken if the wound is near any joints or bones.

    Antibiotic Treatment

    • According to the AAFP, tears and scratches are less likely to become infected than puncture wounds or bites that crush ligament of bones. Staph and bacterial infections are just two of the pathogens that can infect a dog bite wound, and both can be treated with antibiotics. The treatment period is generally from three to seven days for most dog bites. Penicillin-like antibiotics are effective, but for patients who are allergic to this, doxycycline is used.

    Closing of the Wound

    • Bite wounds that are more than 24 hours old as well as puncture wounds and wounds that have the appearance of infection will usually be left open to better assess the success of treatment. However, facial wounds that are less than eight hours old may be closed due to the higher level of blood present in the facial area. Plastic surgery may be necessary in some cases, depending on the severity of the wound and the loss of tissue.