From the Guidelines
If your dog has been bitten by another dog and the wound is infected, you should take your pet to a veterinarian immediately for proper assessment and treatment. The typical treatment includes cleaning the wound thoroughly, possibly surgical debridement of damaged tissue, and a course of antibiotics such as amoxicillin-clavulanate (Clavamox) at 12.5-25 mg/kg twice daily for 7-14 days, or cephalexin at 22 mg/kg twice daily for 7-14 days, as these antibiotics are effective against the common pathogens involved in dog bite infections, including Pasteurella, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and anaerobes 1. While waiting for veterinary care, you can gently clean the wound with warm water or diluted povidone-iodine solution (1:10 ratio with water) and apply a clean, non-stick bandage if possible. Do not use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol as these can damage tissue and delay healing. Watch for signs of worsening infection such as increased redness, swelling, discharge, warmth, pain, or if your dog develops fever or lethargy. Dog bite wounds are particularly prone to infection because canine mouths contain numerous bacteria including Pasteurella, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and anaerobes that can cause serious infections, potentially leading to abscess formation or systemic illness if left untreated 1. Some key points to consider in the management of dog bite infections include:
- The risk of infection depends on the type of bite, the site of injury, the time elapsed from the bite until presentation, host factors, and the management of the wound 1
- The predominant pathogens in these wounds are part of the normal oral flora of the biting animal, along with human skin organisms and occasional secondary invaders 1
- Dog bite wounds are often polymicrobial in nature and include a variety of anaerobes 1
From the Research
Dog Bite Infections
- Dog bites can result in serious infections, with the most prevalent organisms being Pasteurella, streptococci, staphylococci, and Fusobacterium, Bacteroides, and Porphyromonas species 2
- Infected wounds are often polymicrobial in nature, and treatment includes thorough cleansing of the wound, with copious irrigation, as well as antibiotics such as amoxicillin-potassium clavulanate or clindamycin and a fluoroquinolone 2
- Certain bacteria, such as Capnocytophaga canimorsus and Pasteurella multocida, can cause severe infections, including septicemia and meningitis, especially in immunocompromised patients 3
Complications of Dog Bite Infections
- Dog bite infections can lead to complications such as musculoskeletal and neurovascular injuries, as well as systemic infections 2
- In rare cases, dog bites can result in osteomyelitis or septic arthritis, as seen in a case of Pasteurella canis osteomyelitis and cutaneous abscess after a domestic dog bite 4
- Septicemia caused by Capnocytophaga canimorsus has a mortality rate of about 23-31% 3
Prevention and Treatment
- Preventive strategies should focus on public awareness of basic animal safety and responsible pet ownership 2
- Antibiotic prophylaxis should be given to all immunocompromised patients experiencing a dog bite, as well as those with greater penetrating wounds or wounds involving the hands 3
- Preemptive antibiotic therapy after a bite injury is warranted for injuries posing high risk for infection and for patients at risk of developing severe infection 5