Dog bites can be of varying severity, from superficial cuts to severe penetrating wounds. Prompt cleaning of minor bites can reduce the risk of infections. You should then take your cat to the vet for a visit and follow any instructions given to you for home care. Remember that large dogs can bite the cat's entire body and cause internal trauma, such as crush injuries, organ damage, and pneumothorax. If the dog has grabbed and shaken the cat, the intervention of the veterinarian is essential, because there could be injuries to the internal organs. Remember that a large dog attack always causes more than a few superficial wounds.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Provide First Aid Care
Step 1. Manage any bleeding immediately
Check immediately if the cat is bleeding. Dog bites, however small, can cause bleeding.
- Apply direct pressure to the wound. You must use sterile gauze; the ones you can find in the first aid kit for human use should also be safe for the cat. If you don't have such a kit you can use a large bandage, preferably sterile. Do not use any materials that could cause infection, especially paper tissues or toilet paper, as it can be contaminated with many bacteria.
- The bleeding typically stops within 5-10 minutes. The cat will likely be terrified and cats, by nature, run away to hide when they are afraid. You may need another person's help to hold the pet in place, or you can wrap it in a blanket to prevent it from kicking and scratching.
- If possible, tape the gauze or bandage in place with tape when the bleeding has stopped. If you remove the dressing, you can break the clot and cause bleeding to resume.
Step 2. Examine the cat for other injuries
If there is only one part that is noticeably bleeding, carefully inspect the rest of the body as well, to make sure there are no further injuries. Dog bites and scratches leave different types of marks.
There may be minor lacerations to the epidermis, puncture wounds or scratches. These lesions may not bleed at all or very little, but they still need to be cleaned
Step 3. Clean the wound as best you can
When you've handled any bleeding and examined your cat for other lesions, you should quickly clean up the cuts. It's best to use an antiseptic solution, but if it's not available, you can also use plain water.
- You can make a disinfectant solution by diluting some other concentrated product that contains iodine or chlorhexidine acetate with water. These solutions are available in all pharmacies and should be diluted until they turn blue or reach a color similar to that of an herbal tea. Never use a disinfectant that contains phenol compounds, as they are toxic to felines. If in doubt, make a saline solution by dissolving a teaspoon of salt in half a liter of water that you boiled earlier. Before using it, wait until it turns cold.
- Run the solution over the wound surface. If possible, use a syringe for this. If the lesion is long or deep, clean it along the edges instead of injecting liquid into it.
Step 4. Find out about possible complications
If left untreated, dog bites can lead to a number of potential negative consequences. They can become infected and cause other symptoms.
- This type of wound, if neglected, can develop into an abscess, which is a fluid-filled lump under the surface of the skin. You may find that your cat is limping, inappetent, or lethargic. The hair around the bite may peel off, the skin may turn red, ooze liquid, or emit an unpleasant odor.
- If the cat has not recently been vaccinated against rabies and you do not know the health condition of the dog that bit it, you should take action immediately. Your cat may need to be quarantined and observed for signs of this disease.
Part 2 of 3: Seeking Veterinary Care
Step 1. Make an appointment as soon as possible
Any wound, even those that appear to be minor, should be immediately brought to the attention of the veterinarian. Dog saliva could cause infections and, if more intensive care is needed than at home, it is always better to know immediately rather than noticing it late.
- In addition to monitoring vital signs, such as heart rate and temperature, the vet will perform a thorough examination of each wound to decide on the best treatment.
- The cat's coat will be shaved in some areas before proceeding with the inspection. In some cases, x-rays may be necessary, depending on the depth or severity of the wounds.
- If the cat is still shaken by the fight, it may behave aggressively even in the clinic and will need to be sedated. If you go to a new vet, briefly inform them of your feline friend's entire medical history. Some conditions, such as heart murmur, can negatively interact with sedation.
Step 2. Evaluate various treatment options
These depend on the severity of the injury and your vet will be able to tell you which one is best for the situation.
- Small cuts don't require a lot of attention. The doctor cleans them and may use skin glue to seal the flaps. However, deeper wounds must be carefully cleaned and sutured if they have been inflicted for less than 12 hours.
- If the lesion is contaminated, very long or deep, it may be necessary to insert a Penrose drain. It is a soft rubber tube that allows contaminants to escape from the wound.
Step 3. Ask for medication instructions
In some cases it is necessary to follow a medicinal therapy, for example antibiotic therapy in the case of an infection or only painkillers to help the cat cope with the discomfort. Make sure you understand how and when to administer any prescribed medicine and ask your vet about possible side effects.
The doctor usually prescribes a course of antibiotics that you will have to give to the cat according to his instructions. Even if the symptoms go away, finish the therapy
Part 3 of 3: Caring for the Cat at Home
Step 1. Make sure he can't lick the wound
Make sure he doesn't bite or lick the area, to avoid infection or to peel off the bandage, drainage, or stitches too early.
- You should ask your vet if it is necessary to apply an Elizabethan collar, that cone-shaped device that prevents the cat from licking itself. Depending on its character, the animal may be able to tolerate it.
- If you notice him licking or nibbling, gently correct this behavior. Clap your hands and say the word "No". You should ask someone to check on your cat when you are at school or work to make sure it doesn't start poking at its wounds.
Step 2. Change the dressings as directed
Your vet will have given you instructions on changing the dressing; respect them strictly and call the clinic if in doubt.
- Bandages may need to be changed 2-3 times a day. If you are very busy, ask a friend or family member who is familiar with cats to take responsibility for this task while you are at work or school.
- You should apply antibiotic ointment around wounds when changing the dressing, according to the protocol established by the veterinarian.
- If you notice a bad odor or abnormal discharge when changing the bandages, take your cat to the vet for a second evaluation.
Step 3. Respect checkup appointments
If sutures or drainage have been applied, you will need to take your cat to the vet to have them removed.
- The stitches usually come off after 10-12 days.
- Penrose drains usually pull out after 3-5 days.
Step 4. Prevent similar accidents in the future
You need to be sure that the cat will no longer be bitten by a dog, as these are potentially fatal injuries.
- If the incident involved a neighbor's dog, you should talk to his owner so that the event does not happen again. Politely ask him not to allow the dog to run free or suggest an obedience course to manage the problem of aggression.
- In general, don't let your cat roam the neighborhood uncontrollably. This will prevent them from coming face to face with a dog again.
- If your own dog was responsible for the attack, you must keep the animals separate until both have calmed down; later you can gradually allow contacts between them. At first let them interact through a door, then allow short encounters but only under your control.
