Dogs bite more than just the mail carrier.
According to an article in American Family Physician, about 15 percent to 20 percent of dog bites become infected. However, a dog's mouth is filled with bacteria, and the probability is high that the wound will get infected without proper treatment, especially if the wound is a puncture wound, a crush injury or a hand wound. Symptoms of infection include: swelling, drainage, the area hot to touch and pain.
Clean the Wound
The wound needs to be cleaned and have all debris removed. The doctor or veterinarian may irrigate (wash) the wound with a saline solution to remove as much contamination. If there is dead tissue, your doctor or veterinarian may remove it. A veterinarian may use a solution of hydrogen peroxide, iodine or chlorhexidine, if treating a bite wound on an animal.
The sooner a dog bite is treated, the less likelihood of infection. Even if infection starts, the doctor or veterinarian will opt to clean the wound. If it is very painful, it may require local or general anesthesia.
Suture or not?
Suturing is somewhat controversial. Most doctors do not suture puncture wounds because of the possibility of infection. However, a doctor may suture tears and face wounds or wounds that are less than eight hours old.
With an animal, a veterinarian may add a drain and suture the ends of the wound.
Antibiotics
Unless the wound is superficial or there is a low chance of infection, most doctors will opt to prescribe antibiotics for three to seven days. If infection has set in, a doctor will prescribe antibiotics for 10 to 14 days. The drug of choice is amoxicillin-clavulanate potassium (Augmentin), but if the patient is allergic to it, doxycycline or other antibiotics may be used.
With animals, a veterinarian may prescribe amoxicillin, cephalexin, cefadroxil, amoxicillin with clavulanic acid or enrofloxacin.
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