What is the treatment for a canine bite (dog bite)?

From the Guidelines

To treat a dog bite, immediately clean the wound with soap and water for at least 5 minutes to remove bacteria, and then apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth to stop bleeding. For minor bites, apply an antibiotic ointment like Neosporin and cover with a sterile bandage. Change the bandage daily and monitor for signs of infection. For deeper or more serious bites, seek medical attention promptly as you may need stitches, antibiotics (commonly prescribed are amoxicillin-clavulanate 875/125 mg twice daily for 5-7 days) 1, or a tetanus booster if yours isn't current (needed every 10 years). Dog bites carry a high risk of infection due to the bacteria in a dog's mouth, particularly Pasteurella, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus. Bites on the hands, feet, face, or genitals should always be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Also verify the dog's rabies vaccination status; if unknown, contact your doctor or local health department for guidance on rabies prevention 1.

Some key considerations in treating dog bites include:

• Cleaning the wound immediately to reduce the risk of infection
• Applying antibiotic ointment and covering the wound with a sterile bandage
• Monitoring for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or increased pain
• Seeking medical attention promptly for deeper or more serious bites
• Verifying the dog's rabies vaccination status to determine the risk of rabies transmission

It's also important to note that the risk of infection from a dog bite can be reduced by taking prompt action to clean and treat the wound, and by seeking medical attention if necessary. Additionally, ensuring that dogs are up-to-date on their vaccinations, including rabies, can help reduce the risk of transmission 1.

In terms of antibiotic treatment, amoxicillin-clavulanate is a commonly prescribed antibiotic for dog bites, as it is effective against a wide range of bacteria, including Pasteurella, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus 1. However, the specific antibiotic prescribed may depend on the severity of the bite and the individual's medical history.

Overall, prompt and proper treatment of dog bites is essential to reduce the risk of infection and promote healing. By following these guidelines and seeking medical attention if necessary, individuals can minimize the risks associated with dog bites and ensure the best possible outcome.

From the FDA Drug Label

The essential components of rabies post-exposure prophylaxis are wound treatment and, for previously unvaccinated persons, the administration of both human rabies immune globulin (RIG) and vaccine. Thoroughly wash and flush all bite wounds and scratches immediately or as early as possible (for about 15 minutes, if possible) with soap or a cleansing agent and copious amounts of water. Apply an iodine-containing, or similarly viricidal, topical preparation to the wound. Administer Tetanus prophylaxis and measures to control bacterial infection, as indicated. Administer post-exposure antirabies vaccination with rabies vaccine in addition to administering Rabies Immune Globulin (RIG)

Treatment for a dog bite:

• Immediately wash the wound with soap and water for about 15 minutes.
• Apply an iodine-containing topical preparation to the wound.
• Administer Tetanus prophylaxis and measures to control bacterial infection, as indicated.
• Administer post-exposure antirabies vaccination with rabies vaccine in addition to administering Rabies Immune Globulin (RIG), if the person has not been previously vaccinated.
• Consult local or state public health officials if questions arise about the need for rabies prophylaxis 2, 3.

From the Research

Treatment of Dog Bites

• The treatment of dog bites often involves the use of antimicrobial agents to prevent infection, with studies suggesting that amoxicillin-clavulanic acid is an effective choice for moderate grade dog bite wounds 4.
• A randomized controlled trial found that the use of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid reduced the risk of infection in dog bite wounds, with an absolute reduction of 4% 5.
• The decision to use prophylactic antibiotics in dog bite wounds should be based on the risk of infection, with a cost model suggesting that antibiotics are cost-effective if the risk of wound infection is greater than 5% and antibiotics can decrease that risk by greater than 3% 5.

Antimicrobial Susceptibility

• Studies have identified common pathogens in dog bite wounds, including Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, Neisseria spp., Pasteurella multocida, and P. canis 4.
• The majority of gram-negative and gram-positive isolates were found to be susceptible to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and enrofloxacin, with over 90% of isolates susceptible to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and 96% of gram-negative and 86% of gram-positive isolates susceptible to enrofloxacin 4.

Wound Care

• The treatment of dog bite wounds also involves stabilization, wound care, and surgical debridement as needed, with the goal of promoting healing and preventing infection 4.
• The use of antimicrobial agents should be guided by the results of culture and susceptibility testing, with the goal of reducing the risk of infection and promoting antimicrobial stewardship 4.