Best Antibacterial Ointment for Dog Bite

Key Takeaways: Quick Answers About Dog Bite Antibacterial Ointments 📝

❓ Question	✅ Answer
What’s actually the “best” antibacterial ointment for dog bites?	No ointment alone is sufficient—dog bites need irrigation + systemic antibiotics in 50% of cases; topical ointments are adjunct only. Mupirocin or silver sulfadiazine are best for confirmed superficial wounds.
Can I use Neosporin from my medicine cabinet?	For very minor scratches, yes—but Neosporin contains neomycin (high allergy rate 10-15%), and dog bite bacteria often resist triple antibiotic ointments. Not recommended for puncture wounds.
Why do doctors say “don’t use ointment” on some dog bites?	Puncture wounds (most dog bites) seal bacteria deep inside—ointment on surface is useless and creates false security. These need internal antibiotics, not topical treatment.
What’s the infection rate even with treatment?	Dog bites become infected in 15-20% of cases despite proper care—30-50% of hand bites become infected due to poor blood supply and complex anatomy.
When is a dog bite an automatic ER visit?	Hand/face/genital bites, puncture wounds, bites from unknown/unvaccinated dogs, immunocompromised victims, bites >24 hours old showing infection signs—all require immediate medical evaluation.
What antibiotic do doctors actually prescribe?	Amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin) is first-line—covers Pasteurella, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, and anaerobes. Doxycycline or fluoroquinolones for penicillin-allergic patients.

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🦷 “Why Dog Bites Are Bacteriological Nightmares (And Why Surface Ointments Often Don’t Matter)”

Here’s what the first aid industry won’t tell you: Dog bites are fundamentally different from cuts, scrapes, or burns—the injuries topical antibiotics were designed for. A dog’s mouth harbors 50-100 different bacterial species, and when teeth puncture skin, they inject bacteria deep into tissue where surface ointments can’t reach.

The biology that makes dog bites uniquely dangerous:

1. Puncture wounds—70% of dog bites create deep narrow holes that seal bacteria inside
2. Crushing injury—dog jaw pressure (200-450 PSI) damages tissue, creating dead space where bacteria thrive
3. Polymicrobial infection—multiple bacterial species simultaneously (Pasteurella, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, anaerobes)
4. Inoculation depth—bacteria deposited 1-5cm deep, far below where topical ointment penetrates (0.5mm max)

🦠 Dog Bite Bacteria: What You’re Really Dealing With

🧫 Bacteria Type	📊 % of Dog Bites	⏰ Infection Timeline	💊 Topical Ointment Effectiveness	💡 Why It’s Dangerous
Pasteurella multocida	50-75%	Infection within 12-24 hours—fastest onset	❌ Ineffective—lives deep in puncture wounds	Aggressive, causes cellulitis, joint infections; resistant to many topicals
Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA)	20-40%	24-72 hours	⚠️ Partially effective on surface wounds only	Antibiotic-resistant strains common; MRSA requires specific treatment
Streptococcus species	15-30%	24-48 hours	⚠️ Partially effective on shallow wounds	Can cause rapid spreading cellulitis, systemic infection
Anaerobic bacteria (Bacteroides, Fusobacterium)	30-50%	3-7 days—slower but severe	❌ Ineffective—anaerobes live in deep, oxygen-free wounds	Cause deep tissue abscesses, foul-smelling discharge, tissue necrosis
Capnocytophaga canimorsus	5-10% (but severe)	1-14 days—unpredictable	❌ Completely ineffective	Life-threatening in immunocompromised, splenectomized, or alcoholic patients

💡 The Puncture Wound Problem:

Scenario: Dog bite creates 0.5cm diameter puncture, 2cm deep.

What happens:

• Bacteria injected 2cm below skin surface
• Wound seals within 30-60 minutes—bacteria trapped inside
• Topical ointment applied to surface—penetrates 0.5mm maximum (1/40th the depth)
• Ointment never reaches bacteria—they multiply unaffected deep in tissue

Result: Owner thinks “I put antibiotic ointment on it, I’m protected”—false security. Infection develops 24-48 hours later despite “treatment.”

This is why doctors often say: “Ointment won’t help here—you need systemic antibiotics.”

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💊 “The Ointment Hierarchy: From Useless to Actually Helpful (Based on Wound Type)”

Not all antibacterial ointments are created equal—and more importantly, not all dog bite wounds should receive topical treatment at all. Here’s the honest ranking based on wound characteristics.

🏆 Antibacterial Ointment Effectiveness by Wound Type

💊 Ointment Type	🎯 Best For	📊 Effectiveness Rating	💰 Cost	⚠️ Limitations	💡 When to Use
Mupirocin 2% (Bactroban)	Shallow lacerations, skin tears	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Excellent for Staphylococcal species)	$40–80 (Rx only)	Limited activity against Pasteurella; requires prescription	Superficial wounds <5 mm deep after irrigation; early localized infection
Silver sulfadiazine 1% (Silvadene)	Partial-thickness wounds, abrasions, friction injuries	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Broad coverage: Gram-positive, Gram-negative, some fungi)	$30–60 (Rx only)	Can slow epithelialization if used >3–5 days; prescription needed	Abrasions/scrapes from a dog attack; not for puncture wounds
Bacitracin (single antibiotic)	Minor scratches, low-risk breaks in skin	⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Primarily Gram-positive coverage)	$5–10 (OTC)	Narrow spectrum; minimal Gram-negative activity	Very superficial scratches; lowest allergic potential among OTC topicals
Triple antibiotic (Neomycin + Polymyxin + Bacitracin)	Very minor abrasions	⭐⭐☆☆☆ (Resistance common; neomycin allergy high)	$5–15 (OTC)	Neomycin contact allergy in 10–15% of users; limited utility	Only if Bacitracin or Polysporin is unavailable
Polysporin (Polymyxin + Bacitracin)	Minor superficial wounds	⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Better tolerated than Neosporin)	$8–12 (OTC)	Still limited spectrum; inadequate for bite pathogens	Preferred OTC for patients with neomycin allergy
Povidone-iodine ointment 10%	Initial decontamination step	⭐⭐☆☆☆ (Antiseptic, not an antibiotic)	$8–15 (OTC)	Cytotoxic to granulating tissue; inappropriate for prolonged use	Single application immediately post-cleaning; transition to antibiotic
Petroleum jelly (Vaseline)	Moist-wound healing	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Supports epithelial migration)	$3–5 (OTC)	No antimicrobial properties	After infection risk declines (typically day 7–14) to maintain hydration
Natural/herbal ointments (tea tree, honey, etc.)	Not appropriate for dog-bite wounds	⭐☆☆☆☆ (Unreliable antibacterial effect)	$10–25	Lacks efficacy against Pasteurella, Capnocytophaga, anaerobes; irritation risk	Avoid entirely for dog bites due to high infection risk

💡 The Wound Depth Decision Tree:

Puncture wound (>5mm deep, small surface opening):
❌ Topical ointment is useless—bacteria are too deep
✅ What you need: Irrigation (if <6 hours old), systemic oral antibiotics, medical evaluation
✅ Why: Bacteria sealed deep inside where ointment can’t reach

Shallow laceration (skin torn but not deeply penetrated):
✅ Topical ointment helpful as adjunct
✅ Best choices: Mupirocin (if Rx available) or Bacitracin (OTC)
✅ Also need: Proper wound cleaning, closure if gaping, tetanus update

Abrasion/scrape (surface layers only):
✅ Topical ointment effective
✅ Best choices: Silver sulfadiazine (Rx) or Bacitracin (OTC)
✅ Goal: Prevent secondary skin infection while healing

Crushing injury (bruising, swelling, intact skin or minor break):
⚠️ Ointment not primary concern
✅ Focus on: Monitoring for infection signs (redness spreading, warmth, fever)
✅ May need: Prophylactic oral antibiotics depending on location

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🚨 “The 24-Hour Rule: Why Timing Determines Whether Ointment Helps or Harms”

Time since bite is the single most important factor in wound management—yet most advice ignores it. What you should do at hour 1 is completely different from hour 24.

⏰ Dog Bite Treatment Timeline: What to Do When

🕐 Time Since Bite	🎯 Priority Action	💊 Ointment Role	🏥 Medical Evaluation Needed?	💡 Critical Considerations
0-6 hours (Golden Period)	Aggressive irrigation—flush with high-pressure water or saline 15+ minutes	After irrigation: Apply bacitracin or mupirocin to open wounds	✅ YES for hand/face/genitals, punctures, large wounds	This is your infection prevention window—thorough cleaning more important than ointment
6-24 hours (Early Phase)	Clean gently, monitor for early infection signs	Continue thin layer of topical antibiotic to open wounds	✅ YES if not evaluated yet—infection risk assessment needed	If redness/swelling developing—topical ointment alone is inadequate
24-48 hours (Infection Detection)	Assess for infection: increased pain, redness spreading, warmth, pus	Stop ointment if infected—needs systemic antibiotics	✅ YES if any infection signs—oral antibiotics likely needed	Pasteurella infections typically appear now; ointment won’t control established infection
3-7 days (Healing vs. Infection)	If healing well—continue moist wound care; if infected—systemic treatment	Switch to petroleum jelly if healing normally (no infection)	✅ YES if wound not healing, spreading redness, fever	Anaerobic bacteria infections appear this timeframe—foul smell, deep abscess
>7 days (Delayed Complications)	Watch for delayed infection, wound breakdown, cellulitis	Ointment no longer helpful—focus on systemic issues	✅ YES for any new symptoms—delayed complications possible	Late infections can occur despite initial normal healing

💡 Why the 6-Hour Window Matters:

Within 6 hours:

• Bacteria haven’t formed mature biofilms yet—easier to flush out
• Tissue damage hasn’t fully developed—better healing potential
• Irrigation can physically remove 90%+ of bacterial load
• Topical antibiotics serve as backup to irrigation, not primary treatment

After 6 hours:

• Bacteria multiplying exponentially—irrigation less effective
• Wound has sealed (punctures) or begun inflammatory response
• Topical ointment on surface won’t reach established bacteria
• Systemic antibiotics become primary need

🩺 The “It Looks Fine But It’s Not” Problem:

Hour 12: Bite wound looks clean, minimal swelling, no discharge
Owner thinks: “It’s healing fine, I’ll keep putting ointment on it”
Reality: Pasteurella bacteria multiplying deep in tissue
Hour 24: Sudden onset of significant swelling, redness, pain
Outcome: ER visit, IV antibiotics, possible hospitalization

The ointment provided false reassurance—wound needed systemic antibiotics from the start.

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🧴 “The Neosporin Trap: Why the Most Popular Choice Has a 10-15% Failure Rate”

Neosporin (triple antibiotic ointment) is the #1 selling topical antibiotic in the U.S.—and it’s a terrible choice for dog bites for three reasons most people don’t know.

🚫 Why Neosporin Fails for Dog Bites

⚠️ Problem	📊 Statistics	💡 What This Means	🔄 Better Alternative
Neomycin allergy epidemic	10-15% of population allergic to neomycin	Causes contact dermatitis—redness, itching, blistering that mimics infection	Bacitracin alone or Polysporin (no neomycin)
Bacterial resistance	Dog bite bacteria often resistant to triple antibiotic components	Ointment may have zero antibacterial effect despite use	Mupirocin (Bactroban)—different mechanism, less resistance
False security	Owners believe “I used Neosporin” = protected	Delays seeking medical care for wounds that need systemic antibiotics	Understand limitations—ointment is adjunct, not primary treatment

🔬 The Neomycin Allergy Problem:

Neomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that causes delayed-type hypersensitivity (allergic reaction appearing 24-72 hours after exposure).

Symptoms:

• Red, itchy, blistering rash at application site
• Worsening appearance of wound area
• Easily mistaken for wound infection—leads to inappropriate treatment escalation

Incidence: 10-15% of people (much higher than other topical antibiotics)

Problem: Most people don’t know they’re allergic until they use it on a wound—dog bite is bad time to discover allergy.

💡 Real-World Scenario:

Day 1: Apply Neosporin to dog bite
Day 2: Continued use
Day 3: Wound area increasingly red, itchy, small blisters
Owner thinks: “It’s getting infected despite the antibiotic!”
Doctor visit: “You’re having allergic reaction to the neomycin—stop using it”
Reality: Neosporin caused the problem, not the bite itself

🩺 Why Bacitracin or Mupirocin Are Superior:

Bacitracin:

• <1% allergy rate—extremely low
• Effective against Gram-positive bacteria (Staph, Strep)
• $5-10—cheap and accessible
• Limitation: Doesn’t cover Gram-negative (Pasteurella)—but neither does Neosporin effectively

Mupirocin (Bactroban):

• <2% allergy rate
• Highly effective against Staph (including MRSA)
• Different mechanism—bacteria less resistant
• Limitation: Requires prescription, expensive ($40-80)—but worth it for higher-risk wounds

If you only keep one topical antibiotic at home: Choose bacitracin, not Neosporin.

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💉 “When Ointment Is Malpractice: The Wounds That Require Systemic Antibiotics (Or Worse)”

There are specific dog bite scenarios where applying topical ointment and “waiting to see how it goes” is dangerous—these wounds require immediate medical evaluation and oral or IV antibiotics from the start.

🚨 Dog Bites That Are NEVER Managed with Topical Ointment Alone

🎯 Bite Characteristic	📊 Infection Risk	🏥 Required Treatment	💡 Why Ointment Is Insufficient	⏰ Time Window
Hand bites	30-50% infection rate	Oral antibiotics (prophylactic), possible surgical exploration	Poor blood supply, complex anatomy (tendons, joints)—bacteria spread rapidly, can destroy function	Immediate evaluation—hand infections progress within hours
Face/head bites	15-20% infection, but high cosmetic/functional stakes	Prophylactic antibiotics, wound closure consideration, rabies evaluation	Proximity to brain, eyes, major vessels; disfigurement risk	Immediate—infection or poor healing has lifelong consequences
Genital bites	20-30% infection risk	Prophylactic antibiotics, urology/gynecology consult if deep	Complex anatomy, high bacterial load area, functional/sexual consequences	Immediate—specialized evaluation needed
Puncture wounds (all locations)	15-40% depending on depth	Irrigation if <6h, oral antibiotics, tetanus, rabies assessment	Bacteria sealed deep inside—topical can’t reach	Within 6 hours for irrigation; 24h for antibiotic decision
Immunocompromised victim	50-80% infection risk	Prophylactic antibiotics mandatory, close monitoring	Impaired immune response—can’t fight infection independently	Immediate—no waiting, start antibiotics immediately
Bites from unknown/stray/unvaccinated dogs	Variable, but rabies risk	Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), tetanus, antibiotics	Rabies is fatal—prophylaxis can’t wait; infection risk secondary concern	Within 24 hours—rabies PEP effective if started soon

💡 The Hand Bite Crisis:

Why hand bites are uniquely dangerous:

1. Poor blood supply—fingers/palm have minimal circulation; antibiotics delivered by blood can’t reach infection well
2. Closed spaces—tendons, joints, small compartments trap bacteria; create abscesses
3. Rapid destruction—infection can destroy tendon function, joint mobility in 24-48 hours
4. Tenosynovitis—tendon sheath infection requires surgical drainage, IV antibiotics, hospitalization

Standard protocol for hand bites:

• ER evaluation within 6 hours
• X-ray (rule out fracture, foreign body)
• Aggressive irrigation if wound open
• Oral antibiotics started immediately (amoxicillin-clavulanate)
• Hand surgery consult if deep or near joints/tendons
• Close follow-up—recheck 24-48 hours

Applying ointment and “seeing how it goes” = malpractice risk for hand bites.

🩺 The Immunocompromised Catastrophe:

High-risk patients:

• Cancer chemotherapy
• Organ transplant (immunosuppressants)
• HIV/AIDS
• Diabetes (impaired immune function)
• Chronic steroid use
• Splenectomy (removed spleen)—Capnocytophaga risk

Capnocytophaga canimorsus:

• Lives in dog saliva (10-30% of dogs)
• Harmless to healthy people
• Fatal in 30% of splenectomized/immunocompromised patients
• Causes sepsis, DIC, multi-organ failure
• Can’t be treated with topical ointment

Protocol for immunocompromised bite victims:

• ER immediately—don’t wait for symptoms
• IV antibiotics in many cases (oral if bite very minor)
• Admission for observation in severe cases
• Close monitoring for sepsis

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🧼 “The Irrigation Obsession: Why Proper Cleaning Matters 10x More Than Which Ointment You Choose”

Dirty secret of wound care: Spending 15 minutes on aggressive irrigation does more to prevent infection than any ointment. Yet most people spend 30 seconds “rinsing” the wound and 5 minutes researching which ointment to buy.

Evidence: Studies show high-pressure irrigation reduces infection rates by 50-70%. Topical antibiotics reduce rates by 10-20% (and only for appropriate wound types).

💧 Proper Dog Bite Irrigation Protocol (What Actually Prevents Infection)

🎯 Step	🧼 What to Do	⏰ Duration	💡 Why This Matters	🚫 Common Mistakes
1. Immediate pressure control	Direct pressure with clean cloth if bleeding	5-10 minutes	Bleeding is secondary—infection is primary concern	Using tourniquets unnecessarily; excessive pressure can damage tissue
2. High-pressure irrigation	Tap water or saline—force stream into wound, flush deeply	Minimum 15 minutes—longer for dirty wounds	Physically removes bacteria—mechanical action more important than solution type	“Rinsing” gently for 30 seconds—inadequate pressure and duration
3. Debris removal	Tweezers to remove visible dirt, fur, foreign material	Until clean	Foreign bodies create nidus for infection	Leaving debris “it’s too small to matter”—it does
4. Antiseptic wash	Povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine solution—wash around wound edges	2-3 minutes	Kills surface bacteria; shouldn’t enter deep wound (tissue toxic)	Pouring antiseptic directly into deep wound—damages tissue, impairs healing
5. Final rinse	Sterile saline or tap water flush again	5 minutes	Removes antiseptic residue from wound bed	Leaving antiseptic in wound—delays healing
6. Pat dry gently	Clean towel or gauze—don’t rub	30 seconds	Moisture removed so ointment can adhere	Rubbing vigorously—damages fragile wound edges
7. Ointment application	Thin layer of chosen antibiotic ointment	30 seconds	Adjunct to above steps, not primary treatment	Applying ointment to dirty wound—traps bacteria instead of helping

💡 Why 15 Minutes of Irrigation Matters:

Bacterial load reduction:

• Before irrigation: 10^6 to 10^8 bacteria per gram of tissue
• After 30 seconds rinse: 10^5 bacteria (90% reduction)
• After 15 minutes high-pressure irrigation: 10^2 bacteria (99.9% reduction)

Infection rates:

• No irrigation: 40-50%
• Brief rinse: 25-35%
• Proper 15-minute irrigation: 10-15%

Topical antibiotic addition:

• Reduces rate by additional 5-10%

Math: Irrigation prevents 30% of infections; ointment prevents 5-10%. Irrigation is 3-6x more important.

🩺 The Tap Water vs. Sterile Saline Myth:

Common belief: “Must use sterile saline for wounds”

Scientific reality: Multiple studies show tap water is as effective as sterile saline for wound irrigation—and significantly cheaper/more accessible.

Exception: Deep wounds, joint involvement, immunocompromised patients—use sterile saline if available

For most dog bites at home: Tap water for 15 minutes > sterile saline for 2 minutes

Volume matters more than sterility (within reason).

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🏥 “The Antibiotic Prescription Reality: What Doctors Actually Prescribe (Because Ointment Isn’t Enough)”

Let’s be honest about what actually happens when you see a doctor for a dog bite requiring antibiotics: They don’t prescribe ointment—they prescribe oral antibiotics because they know topical treatment is inadequate for most bites.

💊 Systemic Antibiotics: What Doctors Actually Prescribe for Dog Bites

💊 Antibiotic	🎯 Bacterial Coverage	📊 Effectiveness for Dog Bites	💰 Cost (7–10 day course)	⚠️ Side Effects	💡 When Used
Amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin)	Pasteurella, Staph, Strep, anaerobes — gold-standard spectrum	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (First-line choice)	$15–40	GI upset (diarrhea 10–25%), yeast infections	First-line for all dog bites that warrant antibiotics
Doxycycline	Pasteurella, Staph, Strep, some anaerobes	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Strong alternative)	$10–30	Sun sensitivity, GI upset, esophageal irritation	Penicillin allergy or intolerance to Augmentin
Clindamycin + Fluoroquinolone	Clindamycin (anaerobes) + fluoroquinolone (Pasteurella, Staph coverage)	⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Broad two-drug alternative)	$40–80 (combo)	C. diff risk (clindamycin), tendon issues (fluoroquinolones)	Severe penicillin allergy with high-risk or deep bite
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim)	Staph (incl. MRSA), some Pasteurella	⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Partial coverage)	$10–25	Allergic reactions, photosensitivity	MRSA suspected/confirmed; usually combined with a second drug for Pasteurella
Cephalexin	Staph, Strep — no Pasteurella coverage	⭐⭐☆☆☆ (Commonly misprescribed)	$10–20	Well-tolerated	Not appropriate alone for dog bites
Metronidazole	Anaerobes only	⭐⭐☆☆☆ (Incomplete alone)	$10–20	Metallic taste, GI upset, alcohol interaction	Add-on drug for deep, foul-smelling, or anaerobic-risk wounds

💡 Why Amoxicillin-Clavulanate Is #1:

Pasteurella multocida (50-75% of dog bites) is:

• Resistant to regular amoxicillin, cephalexin, macrolides
• Susceptible to amoxicillin-clavulanate, doxycycline, fluoroquinolones

Augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate):

• Clavulanate inhibits beta-lactamases—enzymes bacteria use to destroy amoxicillin
• Broadens coverage to include all common dog bite bacteria
• Single drug covers Pasteurella + Staph + Strep + anaerobes
• Proven track record—decades of use

Standard dosing: 875mg/125mg twice daily for 7-14 days (adults)

🩺 The Cephalexin Disaster:

Cephalexin (Keflex) is commonly prescribed for skin infections—and commonly misprescribed for dog bites by doctors who don’t know microbiology.

Problem: Cephalexin does NOT cover Pasteurella—the most common dog bite bacteria

Result: Patient takes antibiotics faithfully, infection worsens because bacteria aren’t covered

Outcome: Return visit, switch to Augmentin, delayed healing, possible complications

Red flag: If doctor prescribes cephalexin for dog bite, question their competence or get second opinion.

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💡 “The Bottom Line: Stop Overthinking Ointment and Start Focusing on What Actually Prevents Infection”

The antibacterial ointment industry has convinced people that choosing the “right” ointment is the critical decision in dog bite care. It’s not. For most dog bites, ointment is either irrelevant (puncture wounds) or a minor adjunct (superficial wounds).

🎯 Your Dog Bite Action Plan (Evidence-Based Priority Order):

STEP 1: TRIAGE—Is This an ER Visit?

🚨 GO TO ER IMMEDIATELY if:

• Hand, face, or genital bite
• Puncture wound (deep narrow hole)
• Large/gaping wound
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Bite from unknown/unvaccinated dog
• Victim is immunocompromised, diabetic, or has no spleen
• Bite > 24 hours old with infection signs (redness spreading, pus, fever, red streaks)

Time matters—infection can develop rapidly (12-24 hours for Pasteurella).

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STEP 2: IRRIGATE—15 Minutes Minimum

✅ High-pressure tap water or saline

• Force water stream into wound
• Flush deeply—get into crevices
• Continue 15+ minutes (boring, but essential)
• This prevents 30% of infections—more than any ointment

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STEP 3: ASSESS WOUND TYPE

Puncture wound (most dog bites): ❌ Ointment is useless—bacteria too deep ✅ See doctor within 24 hours—likely need oral antibiotics ✅ Monitor for infection—redness, swelling, pain increasing

Superficial laceration/tear: ✅ Ointment helpful as adjunct ✅ Best choices: Mupirocin (if available), Bacitracin (over-counter) ❌ Avoid: Neosporin (allergy risk)

Abrasion/scrape: ✅ Ointment appropriate ✅ Bacitracin or silver sulfadiazine ✅ Keep moist—change dressing daily

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STEP 4: OINTMENT APPLICATION (If Appropriate)

💊 Recommended products in order:

1. Mupirocin 2% (Bactroban)—prescription, most effective
2. Bacitracin—over-counter, low allergy risk
3. Polysporin—over-counter, better than Neosporin
4. Silver sulfadiazine—prescription, good for abrasions

❌ Avoid:

• Neosporin (high allergy risk)
• Natural/herbal remedies (unproven for dog bites)
• Hydrogen peroxide (damages healing tissue)

Application: Thin layer, once or twice daily

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STEP 5: MONITOR FOR INFECTION

📉 Check daily for:

• Redness spreading beyond immediate wound area
• Increasing pain (should decrease after 48 hours)
• Warmth to touch
• Swelling worsening
• Pus or foul discharge
• Red streaks up arm/leg (lymphangitis—serious)
• Fever >100.4°F

If ANY of these develop—see doctor immediately. Infection is not controlled by ointment—needs oral antibiotics.

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STEP 6: FOLLOW-UP

✅ Update tetanus if >5 years since last shot (10 years for clean wounds) ✅ Rabies assessment—know dog’s vaccination status ✅ Report bite to local health department if required ✅ Recheck wound in 48-72 hours even if looks good

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🚨 Critical Reminders:

⚠️ Ointment is never primary treatment—it’s adjunct to irrigation, closure, systemic antibiotics when indicated

⚠️ 15 minutes of irrigation > any ointment choice—don’t skip cleaning to apply ointment faster

⚠️ Puncture wounds (70% of dog bites) don’t benefit from topical ointment—bacteria are too deep

⚠️ Hand bites are emergencies—30-50% infection rate, rapid destruction possible

⚠️ If infection develops despite ointment—you need oral antibiotics, not “better” ointment

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🐕 Your Dog Bite Deserves Evidence-Based Care, Not Marketing-Driven Product Choices

The ointment decision is the least important part of dog bite management—yet it’s what most articles focus on because it’s what sells products.

What actually prevents infection:

1. Aggressive irrigation—15+ minutes (prevents 30% of infections)
2. Appropriate wound closure—when indicated
3. Systemic antibiotics—oral or IV for high-risk bites (prevents 40-60% of infections in appropriate cases)
4. Proper monitoring—catching infection early

What ointment adds: 5-10% additional infection reduction in superficial wounds only

Stop obsessing over ointment brand. Start obsessing over proper wound cleaning and timely medical evaluation.