Whether a dog has bit you or your pet was bitten by another animal, dog bite infections are a serious concern for every pet owner. Bites can easily become infected, and when they do it's crucial that you work to treat the infection as quickly as possible so that the condition cannot spread. Left untreated, a dog bite infection can easily spread to other parts of the body, thereby causing much greater problems and increasing the risk of major medical damage. Read on for a brief guide on how to treat dog bite infections.
Identify the Type of Bite
There are two types of dog bites. Although both will require medical treatment and should be treated for infection, one is much more likely than the other to bring about infection quickly. This type of bite is called a puncture bite. It occurs when the dog's teeth pierce the skin and essentially deliver bacteria straight to the blood supply. A laceration may also cause infection, but it usually requires stitches and more serious medical treatment as well. This type of bite is when the dog's teeth have pierced the skin and have then torn part of the skin off.
Clean the Wound from the Dog Bite
It's essential that you clean a dog bite wound immediately in order to prevent infection. You should first allow the wound to bleed for a few minutes, provided that it isn't bleeding excessively. This will help to flush bacteria out of the body. Next, clean the wound with anti-bacterial soap and continue to flush the wound out with warm water for a few more minutes. You can then pat the wound down with gauze to stop the bleeding and dry the tissue. Next, treat the wound with hydrogen peroxide or an equivalent chemical treatment and allow the wound to air dry before applying an anti-bacterial ointment to the area and covering with protective gauze. You can then take your pet in to the vet's for stitches or other types of treatment, if necessary.
Look after the Dog Bite Wound
If the wound does not heal with a single cleaning as described in the paragraph above, you'll need to continue to repeat this process until the wound does heal. Most wounds should heal within a few days; if not, take your pet back to the vet for additional examination and work. The earlier that you're able to respond to your pet's wound, the better the chances of it healing safely and without infection.
Rabies Risks from Dog Beats
It's also crucial to recognize whether your pet has been vaccinated against rabies if he is bitten by another dog. Rabies is easily spread through bite wounds. If your pet has not been vaccinated and he is bitten by another animal, consult with your vet about the potential need for providing him with a rabies vaccine or monitoring him for the first signs of the disease so that it can be treated promptly as well.