Wolf Within

As of recent, I heard of someone who received a couple of good bites from a dog.
From the discussion, no mention was made as to whether or not, this person had been to the hospital - but it sounded quite severe, so being who I am, (a mother, grandmother AND Shelter Owner) it was instinctive for me to get ahold of this person and run threw the schmeel of the seriousness of animal bites and how to treat them..

Bites are not to be taken lightly.

Dogs, moreso than cats, can be severe, because animals have a chemical in their saliva - that instantly starts to break down enzymes so they can digest "meat" - yes that means even "people meat"

Some of the smallest of dog bites, can turn out to be the worst, if not treated immediately -especially if the outer layer of skin heals over within 12 hrs and the wound cannot "breath" - the infection will spread faster than peanut butter. More than often, this can lead to blood poisoning.

SO, if you get a deep bite by a dog, the best advice is to get to a doc asap. (this particular person, had in fact been to the hospital and received treatment)

-If by chance, you get bitten by a dog in a couple of places or even one quite severe bite, immediately cleanse the bite thoroughly with water diluted peroxide - do this for a good five minutes at intervals to assure a good cleansing.
- Using gauze, apply a ton of polysporin to the gauze and wound and apply it to the area(s)
-Call your doc or local hospital and inform them of the bite, what you've done to hinder infection and inquire if they feel you should come in for them to have a look.

They may tell you to keep an eye on it and change the gauze with polysporin every 6-8 hours and "if there's any changes" to come in - or they'll take you and treat you as an out patient - if the infection is severe enough. Intervenus can or may be administered as an out patient or they may just give a prescription for either Amoxicillan or a Penicillan.

If you wait till the next day, the next day could be a tad late and infection could be well through your blood stream and a tetnus shot needed. (one of the first questions the doc/clinic or hospital will ask is - if you've had a tetnus shot and if yes, when?)

Animal Bites, even bites from cats, can be serious if not tended to immediately.
One thing you can be certain of, is it will show infection within hours - even when treated.
By continueing a thorough treatment, whether serious of not, should deter further problems.
Caution is the key.

And for Pet Owners of ALL kinds, I want to share a health link, that you can be sure - offers efficient and accurate advice on animal injuries, illness, disorders and diseases.
It is in fact THE Manual used in University - in the study of veterinarian care and I used the online version for my first year studies.
The Merck Vet Manual.
and
another that offers good advice for Pet Health Awareness is
The American Veterinarian Medical Association

know of any? add them in a reply!

Hope it's a good weekend!