Dog bites can range from superficial skin wounds to serious penetrating injuries.The risk of infections can be reduced by cleaning superficial wounds.Follow the instructions the vet gives you for home care if you take your cat to the Veterinarian for evaluation.If a dog bites a cat, it may cause internal injuries, including crush injuries and damage to the internal organs.If the dog bites or shakes the cat it's important to seek veterinary attention because of the risk of trauma to the internal organs.The superficial skin wounds are only part of the damage done by a dog.
Step 1: Take care of any bleeding right away.
Do you know if your cat is bleeding?A small bite from a dog can cause bleeding.Direct pressure should be applied to the wound.You have to use sterile gauze.It's a good idea to have a human first aid kit with you.You can use large bandages if you don't have a first aid kit.Tissue paper and toilet paper left out in the bathroom can be ripe withbacteria and should not be used.It may take a while for the bleeding to stop.Cats instinct is to run and hide when scared.If you need the assistance of a second person to hold your cat still, you might want to wrap him in a blanket to prevent him from kicking and scratching.Once bleeding stops, tape the bandaid in place.The removal of the blood clot may cause your cat to bleed again.
Step 2: The cat should be examined for other wounds.
If only one spot on your cat is bleeding, do a thorough examination to make sure there are other wounds on the cat's body.There are a variety of marks caused by dog bites and scratches.Minor breaks in the skin, puncture wounds, or scratches can be suffered by your cat.These may not be bleeding at all or only bleeding a small amount, but they still need to be cleaned.
Step 3: To the best of your abilities, clean the wound.
You should clean the wounds after you've treated the bleeding and examined the cat.If the antiseptic solution is unavailable, use plain water.You can make an antiseptic solution by mixing concentrated solutions with water.It's a good idea to buy such solutions at most drug stores because they're the color of tea or a light blue shade.Disinfectants that contain alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide are toxic to cats.To make a salt water solution, add a small amount of salt to a quart of boiled water.Allow it to cool before you use it.The solution should be flushed over the wound.If possible, use a needle.If the wound is long or deep, it is a good idea to clean around the edges.
Step 4: You can learn about potential problems.
Dog bites can result in a number of problems.They can cause other symptoms.An abscess is a fluid filled lump under the skin caused by a bite.Your cat may be limping as well as losing appetite.Hair can fall out around the bite and skin can become red and stinky.If you don't know the dog's vaccine status, your cat should be given a vaccine right away.If you have a cat, you may have to have it tested for the disease.
Step 5: You should get an appointment as soon as possible.
Minor injuries should be treated by a vet.If there is need for further treatment beyond at home care, it is better to know sooner than later.In addition to taking normal vitals like heartbeat and temperature, your vet will perform a thorough examination of wounds to determine the best course of treatment.Your cat's hair will be shaved near the wounds prior to the physical examination.Depending on the severity of the wound, X-rays may be needed.If your cat is still upset from the fight, he may be aggressive in the vet's office.It is possible that sedating may be needed.If you are going to see a new vet, you should give her a brief listing of your cat's medical history.Sedation can affect certain conditions negatively.
Step 6: You should go over treatment options.
Treatment depends on the severity of the cut.The treatment option your vet chooses is right for your cat.Small wounds don't need much care.Skin glue might be used to keep the edges of the wounds together.If the wounds are less than 12 hours old, they will be sutured together.The placement of a Penrose drain is required for wounds that are very long and deep.A soft rubber tube is used to drain a wound.
Step 7: Instructions for any medication should be asked.
It is possible that medication may be required.Antibiotics might be needed if the wound is infectious.It's possible that your cat needs painkillers to deal with the pain.Ask your vet questions about possible side effects of your medication and make sure you understand how and when to administer it.Your vet will usually prescribe antibiotics for your cat.The cat should be given all the drugs as directed.Administer antibiotics until they're gone even if the symptoms are gone.
Step 8: Don't let your cat lick his wound.
Make sure your cat doesn't lick or bite at the wound.This could cause an open wound.The Elizabethan collar is a cone like device attached to your cat's neck to prevent licking.Depending on your cat's temperament, he may be able to tolerate an Elizabethan collar.Correct the behavior if you notice it.Put your hands together and say no.You might have to ask someone to watch your cat while you're at work or school to make sure he doesn't chew on his wounds.
Step 9: As directed, change bandages.
Your vet will tell you how to change your cat's bandages.Call her if you have any questions.You may need to change bandages more than once a day.If you have a busy schedule, ask a friend or family member who is comfortable with cats if they can change the bandages while you are at work or school.Depending on the care regimen your vet outlined, you might have to place antibiotics around the wounds.Take your cat to the vet if you notice an odor or discharge while changing bandages.
Step 10: Follow up appointments are necessary.
You need to make an appointment to have the drain or sutures removed if your cat was given them.After being put in place, stures are usually removed within a few days.The penrose drain can be removed in 3 to 5 days.
Step 11: It's a good idea to prevent accidents in the future.
It's important that accidents don't happen in the future.Dog bites can be fatal.If the bite was caused by a dog, talk to your neighbor to make sure it doesn't happen again.Ask him not to let his dog run loose and to teach him how to deal with aggression issues.Do not allow your cat to run loose in your neighborhood.He won't have to deal with another dog in the future.If the incident happened with your dog, you need to separate them until they calm down.Allow them to interact through a door and then have supervised face-to-face interactions.