Dog bite WARNING.......

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imported_bre_bre

New member
Wow, I had no idea a bite could get so serious. I'm glad that you have opened my eyes to this. I'll think twice next time I try to pick up a stray cat or dog who seems harmless. Better to call the pound then take the chance. Thanks for your post.
 
Actually dogs have quite clean mouths. However any break in the skin can allow bacteria from any source it comes in contact after that into the wound. Puncture wounds are the worst since they often are not open to the air. Any bacteria that was in or on the dog's mouth plus any bacteria acquired walking around the houses could get shoved into a puncture wound where anaerobic bacteria would just go nuts. That's one reason cat bites are so bad and cats do have a lot more bacteria in their mouths due to their even more carnivorous diet and different digestive tract.

All wounds are best washed with betadine or chlorhexadine. Neither of those will sting like iodine or alcohol and they will not dry out the skin as bad when used frequently. Peroxide which everyone loves cause they get to see it bubble is actually one of the poorest disinfectants and most likely to promote scar tissue from damaging the healthy cells around the wound. A good rinse with betadine a couple times a day will go much farther to healing wounds than peroxide or using topicals like neosporin by itself. It's also good to air out wounds several times daily or leave bandages off for a day especially puncture wounds and depending on circumstances sometimes a bandaid or other bandage can be harmful. The worst bacteria grow best in places with no oxygen exchange. Oxygen is very helpful in killing a lot of bacteria.
 
How awful, I hope she is ok now.

Don't get bitten by a stray cat with a gangrenous leg . . . A week is hospital on three really strong horrible IV antibiotics and 20 something stitches taught me that. Poor cat.

My doctor: A cat bite is the worst you can get, after a human.
My brother: What about a shark? A bear? A crocodile?!

LOL
 
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