Bite wounds need prompt medical care

Q: How can I keep a dog bite from getting infected?

A: Bite wounds from pets are a public health concern. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, each year more than 4.7 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs alone. Of course reducing the incidence of bites would be ideal. However, when a bite does happen, it is important to seek medical care promptly.

“Wounds that are most likely to become infected are those on the face and hands or when people wait more than eight hours before seeking medical attention,” according to Dr. Kate Stenske, a clinical assistant professor at Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. “If you are bitten, first wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water, and then call your physician right away.”

She says that bite wounds can become infected because dogs and cats both harbor a mixture of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in their mouths. Bites are an ideal way for bacteria to be transmitted, because teeth damage tissue, making it more prone to infection.

“Cats especially have very sharp little teeth, so they can inject bacteria deep into a person’s skin without causing much of an external wound,” explains Dr. Stenske. “Some of the more common bacteria we worry about are Pasteurella, Bacteroides, Fusobacterium and Streptococcus. We also worry about the potential spread of the rabies virus from animals to people through bite wounds.”

In addition to germs carried in an animal’s mouth, many infections are caused by contamination of the wound with environmental bacteria or organisms that are already living on the victim’s skin.

Preventing bites in the first place is the most effective means of avoiding infections. Of course, it has the added benefit of avoiding the pain and trauma of the bite itself.

Cat bites are readily preventable if a stressed or angry feline is left alone. Pinned back ears, growling, hissing, or struggling to get away are clear warning signs. Parents should watch young children around any cat and teach older kids to leave cats alone when they see the cat is beginning to become agitated. Stray or feral cats are never safe to handle. Any attempt to approach an unknown feline is an invitation for a bite.

According to Dr. Stenske, Most dog bites are from dogs owned by the victim’s family, friends or neighbors. “Children ages 5-9, especially boys, are at greatest risk of dog bites and tend to have the most severe injuries, probably because of their size and proximity to dogs, their loud noises, fast movements, unintentional provoking, and not understanding the dog’s body language.”

To minimize the risk, Dr. Stenske says it helps to recognize subtle signs of fear, nervousness or aggression in a dog. It also helps to neuter your dog or cat, train and socialize them and use a leash when outside. “When it comes to strange dogs,” she says, “it’s best to never approach them.” If a strange dog approaches you, veterinarians advise children to “stand still like a tree,” or if on the ground to “curl up like a rock.”

For more information on dog bite prevention and other public health topics, visit the American Veterinary Medical Association’s Web site at avma.org/public_health.

Q: What can I use for my dog as a laxative?

A: The most gentle laxative is fiber. One teaspoon of unflavored psyllium powder per 30-50 pounds of body weight can be added to canned food twice a day. Instead of powdered fiber, some people are successful using canned pumpkin added to meals to produce more regular stool. As a short term laxative, otherwise healthy dogs can be given a docusate stool softener from the drug store, but be careful not to use the kind with added stimulants. Never use an enema or suppository for your pet without consulting a veterinarian. If the constipation occurs regularly, or does not resolve with these suggestions, please see your veterinarian. Constipation can be a symptom of underlying illness.

Dr. Watts is a companion animal general practitioner and owner of Clevengers Corner Veterinary Care. He can be reached through ClevengersCorner.com or by calling 428-1000.