Dog bites can lead to staph infections
and strep infections; both serious and potentially fatal conditions caused by staphylococcus or streptococcus bacteria. Common symptoms include: Oozing blisters.
What kind of infection can you get from a dog bite?
If a dog bite pierces a person's skin, bacteria from the animal's mouth can get into the body, which can cause an infection. Washing the wound thoroughly can remove the bacteria from the body and help prevent infection. If the bacteria stay in the body, they can cause an infection, such as
tetanus, rabies, or sepsis
.
Which staph is associated with dog bites?
A dog bite that breaks a human's skin will transfer the S. pseudintermedius to the human, which can result in a serious staph infection. Unfortunately, staph infections from dog bites are often mislabeled as staph infections caused by
S. aureus
.
What are the signs of an infection from a dog bite?
- pus or fluid oozing from the wound.
- tenderness in areas near the bite.
- loss of sensation around the bite.
- limited use of the finger or hand if the hand was bitten.
- red streaks near the bite.
- swollen lymph nodes.
- fever or chills.
- night sweats.
Can you get MRSA from a dog bite?
A MRSA skin infection can be passed from a dog to a human through any type of skin to skin contact, especially if the skin is broken from a bite or scratch
. As a skin infection, signs of MRSA include small red bumps or pimples that can quickly become fluid-filled abscesses that must be surgically drained.
Do I need an antibiotic for a dog bite?
Antibiotic prophylaxis commonly is recommended for moderate to severe wounds of the face, hands (bites tend to involve the dominant hand), feet or genital area
. Bites involving tendon, bone or joints and bites resulting in devitalized tissue generally are treated with antibiotic prophylaxis.
Should I put Neosporin on a dog bite?
Antibiotic Ointment:
Put an antibiotic ointment (Neosporin, Bacitracin) on the bite 3 times a day for 3 days
. Call Your Doctor If: Bite looks infected (spreading redness, red streaks, swelling, or tender to touch)
What if dog bite left untreated?
Even if the dog bite is harmless to look at,
it can lead to serious infections or rabies, and eventually result in death
.
When should I be concerned about a dog bite?
Although you can provide first aid for a dog bite at home, it's very important to see a doctor, especially if an unfamiliar dog bit you,
the bite is deep, you can't stop the bleeding, or there are any signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth, pus)
.
Which bacteria are associated with dog bites?
The most common pathogens in dog bites are
Pasteurella spp. (both Pasteurella multocida and Pasteurella canis), Staphylococcus and Streptococcus spp., and the fastidious Gram-negative rod Capnocytophaga canimorsus
(previously known as the CDC and Prevention Group Dysgonic Fermenter-2).
What is the best antibiotic for dog bites?
Amoxicillin/clavulanate
is the first-line prophylactic antibiotic. The need for rabies prophylaxis should be addressed with any animal bite because even domestic animals are often unvaccinated.
Which animal has the most infectious bite?
| Cat bites 30–50% | Leg 7–15% | Face 4–11% |
|---|
How quickly can a dog bite become infected?
After being bitten, most people who become ill will show symptoms within 3 to 5 days, but this can range anywhere from
1 to 14 days
. Most Capnocytophaga infections usually occur with dog or cat bites. But some people who develop a Capnocytophaga infection have not been bitten.
How do you treat staph infection in dogs?
A staph infection can impact your dog's skin or upper respiratory tract, and is typically treated using
oral antibiotics such as cephalexin, erythromycin or clindamycin
. Antibiotic ointments and shampoos may also be prescribed to help your dog's skin feel more comfortable.
What does MRSA look like?
MRSA infections can appear as
a small red bump, pimple, or boil
. The area may be tender, swollen, or warm to the touch. Most of these infections are mild, but they can change, becoming deeper and more serious.
Can MRSA be spread through biting?
It's possible for MRSA to be in the mouth of the dog and for it to be transferred to the wound during the bite, but that's pretty unlikely
. The person bitten or someone treating the wound is a more likely source of the bacterium.
What is a Level 4 dog bite?
Level 4 Bite –
One to four punctures from a single bite with at least one puncture deeper than half the length of the dog's canine teeth
. The person or dog bitten may also have deep bruising around the wound or wounds from the dog shaking its head from side to side. At this level, the red warning flag needs to go up.
Should I go to the doctor after a dog bite?
In general,
most experts recommend seeking medical care within 24 hours after you've been bitten
—especially if the bite has broken the skin. Dog bites can cause medical problems that aren't immediately obvious, such as rabies.
What is Category 2 dog bite?
| Category I Contact with animal, or licks on intact skin No exposure | Category II Nibbles on exposed skin Minor bite(s) or scratch(es) without bleeding Minor exposure |
|---|
Can you put hydrogen peroxide on a dog bite?
Do not scrub or soak the wound.
Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing
. You may cover the wound with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a non-stick bandage. Apply more petroleum jelly and replace the bandage as needed.
How do you clean an infected dog bite?
- Wash the wound with soap and warm water.
- Gently press a clean cloth over the wound to stop the flow of blood.
- Apply an antibacterial ointment to the wound.
- Cover with a sterile bandage.
- Watch for signs of infection.
Can you put rubbing alcohol on a dog bite?
Do not use rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, iodine, or Mercurochrome for puncture wounds
. These can slow healing. Puncture wounds do not normally need to be bandaged, but if you choose to, be sure to clean the wound thoroughly first.
Can dogs get infections from dog bites?
When your dog is bitten by another dog, the aggressor's tooth not only creates a small puncture in your dog's skin, it also creates a pocket below the skin which forms an ideal environment for bacteria from the aggressor's mouth to multiply and develop into an infection.
Can you get cellulitis from a dog bite?
When someone is bitten by a dog,
there is a risk he or she could develop the dangerous bacterial skin infection cellulitis
. Cellulitis occurs when bacteria enters through a crack or puncture in the skin, such as with a dog bite.
