Three Family Members at Urgent Care.

The new puppy has been home for one week.

Your daughter has scratches up and down her arms. Your son has a bite mark on his hand that’s looking puffy and red. And you? You’ve got a puncture wound from breaking up their “tug of war” that the puppy thought included your fingers.

Nobody told you this part of pet ownership.

Why Animal Bites Get Infected So Easily

Here’s the truth: animal mouths are bacteria factories.

Dogs, cats, puppies, kittens – their saliva contains dozens of types of bacteria. When they bite or lick an open wound, those bacteria get pushed deep into your tissue.

The result? Infection. And animal bite infections can get serious fast.

Infection rates by animal:

• Cat bites: 30-50% infection rate (high!)
• Dog bites: 10-20% infection rate
• Human bites: Actually the highest risk—but that’s another blog

Signs of Infection You Can’t Ignore

Come to Night Watch immediately if the bite or scratch shows:

• Redness spreading from the wound
• Red streaks going up the arm or leg
• Swelling, warmth, or increased pain
• Pus or drainage from the wound
• Fever
• Difficulty moving the affected area
• Swollen lymph nodes

These are signs your body is fighting an infection – and may be losing.

⏰ Time Matters

Here’s what people don’t realize: the sooner you get treatment, the better.

Within 8 hours of injury: Wound can be thoroughly cleaned, greatly reducing infection risk. May be able to close with stitches.

After 8 hours: Infection risk increases. May need to leave wound open. Antibiotics almost always needed.

After 24+ hours: If untreated, infection may have already started. Requires aggressive treatment.

Don’t wait. Come in the same day you’re bitten.

🐾 High-Risk Bites

Some bites are higher risk than others:

Hand Bites

Highest infection risk. Lots of small spaces for bacteria to hide. Close to tendons, joints, and bones. Always need medical evaluation.

Face Bites

Risk of scarring, nerve damage, and infection. Need immediate care.

Puncture Wounds

Look small on the surface but push bacteria deep into tissue. High infection risk. Often from cat bites.

Bites Through to Bone/Joint

Can cause bone or joint infection (osteomyelitis, septic arthritis). Serious. Need immediate treatment.

Treatment at Night Watch

We treat animal bites and scratches for all ages:

• Thorough wound irrigation (high-pressure cleaning to flush out bacteria)
• Examination for deep tissue damage
• X-rays if needed (to check for bone involvement)
• Stitches or wound closure (depending on type/location)
• Preventive antibiotics (especially for high-risk bites)

Preventing the Next Bite

• Supervise all pet interactions with children
• Start training immediately (puppy classes, bite inhibition)
• Don’t let pets mouth or play-bite people
• Keep kitten nails trimmed
• Redirect biting to appropriate toys
• Teach children to respect pet boundaries

New pets are adorable, infected animal bites are not. Get it treated before it gets serious.