Should prophylactic antibiotics be used when treating dog bites?
There is no good evidence that the use of prophylactic antibiotics makes a significant difference in the outcome of dog bite injuries except when certain risk factors exist (e.g., location on the hand, deep puncture wounds or immunocompromised host). The choice of antibiotic is simple in dog bite wounds. Coverage must include Streptococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, S epdermidis, and S intermedius. Pasturella is rare in dog bite wounds. Therefore, cephalexin or dicloxacillin (Erythromycin for the penicilllin allergic patient) would constitute good and cost effective treatment when required.
