Cats and dogs get along more often than people realize, but there’s always the potential for their interspecies interactions to go south. Fortunately, with the right care cats can usually survive a dog bite.
The actual odds of their survival depend on the factors of the bite, including severity, location, and especially the care they receive. Keep reading to learn more about the potential complications and how to give your cat the best chance of survival.
About Dog Bites
Dog bites are nasty business whether you’re a human or a cat, and a single snip can cause devastating effects. While many are lucky enough to get away with barely a scrape, it doesn’t take much to seriously injure the skin, muscles, or even joints of your feline friend.
Dog bites on cats usually occur:
- On or around the neck
- On or around the paws (as the cat tries to defend themself or run)
- On the face
While the severity of a crushing bite is obvious, the unseen damage is often worse. Even a bite that does not break skin can crush bone, tear muscles, or damage underlying organs like the lungs. Punctures may not be immediately obvious, and it doesn’t take much for bacteria in a dog’s mouth to cause a serious (potentially deadly) infection).
While this definitely paints a scary picture, this study from the Journal of Feline Medicine & Surgery finds that most cats have a “good overall prognosis for survival” even after several dog bites.
Symptoms of a Dog Bite on Cats
Unless you witness a bite occur or see an obvious open wound, it can be difficult to discover your feline has been attacked. Cats are notorious for trying to hide their pain, even if they have a life-threatening injury, but paying attention to body language is key.
Any deviation from their typical nature (such as not letting you touch them or appetite changes) are a cause for concern, as well as:
- Bumps or abscesses
- Fever (infection)
- Limping or favoring one side
- Lethargy or restlessness
If your cat seems stable, you should have time to schedule an appointment and do some preliminary care without racking up the cost of an emergency room visit. Do not hesitate to rush to the vet if your cat has more severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, uncontrolled bleeding, continuous signs of distress (like vocalization), vomiting, or collapse.
Either way, it’s important to get your cat to the vet as soon as possible. A cat that seems fine otherwise is still likely to develop a deadly or life-altering infection without proper antibiotics.
Preliminary Treatment for Dog Bites on Cats
Before you get to your vet, try to keep your cat as still as possible and prevent them from messing with the wound. You should separate them from other animals and keep them in a crate or carrier to prevent excessive movement that may worsen damage. If you have first aid supplies, do what you can to keep the wound clean and prevent further damage.
Provide as many details as possible to your veterinarian, especially regarding:
- The approximate time of the bite and/or the timeline of their symptoms
- Vaccination status for your cat as well as the dog that bit them
- Whether your cat typically spends time outdoors
Your veterinarian will do their best to perform a physical exam, verifying their condition and determining how severe the wound is while looking for other wounds you may not have noticed.
They may shave your cat’s fur to keep everything clean and make sure they aren’t missing anything.
In nearly every instance, they will clean the wounds as much as possible and prescribe broad spectrum antibiotics to prevent infection. Wounds are usually left open to prevent the retention of bacteria. If the wound is not already open, your veterinarian may lance it or insert a drain.
Advanced Treatment for Dog Bites on Cats
Infection despite the antibiotics merits a bacterial culture sensitivity test so your veterinarian can zero in on the specific bacteria present and prescribe a targeted antibiotic to combat them.
Debriding of the wound is common with more severe bites or late detections. During this process, your vet cuts away any infected or severely damaged tissue to give the healthier parts a chance to heal. If infection is already present, they may need to lance the bite to drain away the built up bacteria and infection.
X-rays and ultrasounds allow your veterinarian to check for fractures or breaks as well as internal damage. While not always necessary, an early evaluation can limit surprise issues from popping up down the line.
Follow Up Care for Dog Bites on Cats
Regardless of the immediate care your cat receives, it’s important to keep the wounded area clean and dry. Change out dressings often, and clean away drainage as much as possible.
Make sure your cat is eating and drinking enough to stay healthy. It’s usual for their appetite to drop slightly, but they shouldn’t be refusing food or water completely. Consider feeding wet food while they recover to encourage them to eat and ensure hydration.
Comfort is key. Set them up in a quiet area of the house and keep other animals and small children from the area. If your cat grooms the area, you may need an Elizabethan collar or appropriate clothing to prevent the licking or biting.
If possible, make the necessary changes to avoid a repeat of the bite in the future. Your cat may act like they have nine lives to spare, but you want to minimize the amount of trauma they experience in their life.
Dog bites are messy, and there’s a chance your cat’s condition may worsen. Do not hesitate to reach out to your vet as needed. Prompt responses often make the difference between a recoverable spat and a mortal wound.
