An dog bite can cause the most diverse diseases, especially infections at the site of the bite, caused by bacteria or fungi present in the animal's mouth. Even the vaccinated animal can cause local infections, so it is important to use prophylactic antibiotics after a bite or scratch where the saliva of the animal is in contact with the victim's mucous membranes.
Infections happen more often if the time interval between accident and care is greater than eight hours; if the place is not washed with soap and water abundantly after the bite; if the bite is in the hands and feet (areas of greater blood circulation); if the lesions are deep or crushing; if there is presence of feces, saliva, dirt; or if the bite has any pre-existing disease (malnutrition, immunodeficiency, diabetes, etc.).
The risk of infection after a bite per dog is around 4 to 10%. If the offending animal is a cat, that risk increases to 50-80%.
It is imperative to keep your dog's vaccine calendar up-to-date, including the rabies vaccine, and immediately seek first aid in the event of a bite - even if it is from your own dog, even if it is vaccinated. The effectiveness of the rabies vaccine is not absolute.
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