First aid for minor dog bite wounds

jkoch

By Dr. John Koch

Question: I have a Yorkshire terrier who thinks he is king of the hill. Unfortunately my neighbor's Maltese has the same attitude. In spite of our good intentions to keep them apart, they occasionally get together. Since my neighbor and I live on the same hill, a fight naturally occurs. The two dogs together probably don't weigh 10 pounds so the damage is usually slight. However, puncture wounds are not uncommon. What first aid techniques do you recommend for minor dog-bite wounds?

Answer: Clip the hair away from the wounds so that it will not mat over the opening in the skin. You want the wound to stay open so that it can drain. Wash the wound with a mild soap and warm water. An antiseptic such as tamed iodine may then be applied. Antiseptics should be followed with antibiotic creams or ointments applied on a daily basis. The wound should be watched for signs of infection. If pus is seen or if a bad odor is noticed, you should contact your veterinarian.

Clients frequently want these wounds sutured. Large tears in the skin may need to be at least partially sutured. However suturing simple puncture wounds is not a good idea because denying potentially infected tissues the opportunity to drain could lead to an abscess. This is a far worse problem than the initial injury.

Systemic antibiotics are often indicated when severe puncture wounds are encountered. In addition, medication for pain is often prescribed. Because of laws and rules governing such medications, most veterinarians will not be comfortable dispensing these without first examining the pet.

Preventing bite wounds is always better than treating them. If your and your neighbor's dogs have not already been neutered, this simple procedure could calm their aggressive tendencies.

Dr. Koch is a Cape Girardeau area veterinarian.