Does dog or cat saliva kill bacteria? Which pet's bite is worse?

Cat bite wounds are a high risk for becoming badly infected so you should monitor very closely for signs of heat, pain or swelling which would indicate the need for a full vet check and prescription medications. Bathe the area gently is saline and apply some dog friendly antiseptic such as betadine

You are correct that most cat bites create a bacterial infection. Cat bites can be pretty bad so it is always recommended to have them treated and treated quickly. I also recommend a rabies vaccination especially if he got bit by another cat. If he can lick or scratch at the areas an elizabethan collar would be beneficial so he doesn't make the wounds worse. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Anyone who is bit by a cat should be evaluated by a physician. A cat's mouth is usually full of bacteria that can result in severe infections and cellulitis in humans that get bit. You should check with a local physician as soon as possible. You are welcome to check with a physician (as I am a veterinarian) for any more specific information. Good luck! Sorry that this happened to you! I have been through this many times and I have gone to the hospital to be looked at every time and everything has turned out ok after.

Dogs do carry some antibodies in their saliva but they also carry lots of bacteria in the mouth. I do not recommend to let Mia lick your wounds. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Cat bites can be very nasty so I always recommend antibiotic therapy and pain management to animals (and to people) who fall victim to their feline. If you decide to hold off and take a wait & see approach, rodents often hide their illnesses until they are very sick - this is a defense mechanism as they are prey animals. They will stop eating, become highly lethargic, and may develop a high fever. As for your cat and the hamster bite, I am less concerned about this but would need to see photograph of the affected area to render an official opinion on the matter. Hope this makes sense.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Mano. Sorry to hear about your other cat. Puncture wounds especially from bites push surface bacteria and oral pathogens from the biter deep into the skin and underlying area called the subcutaneous space. There the bacteria multiple and can travel along tissue planes. I would advise you taking Mano to your veterinarian and let them evaluate the significance of the bite. Your vet will advise a treatment course including antibiotics, possible surgery to place a drain, a rabies shot if deemed needed, medicine for pain, etc. The only thing you can do at home is to apply hydrogen peroxide making sure the eyes are covered and protected. Warm compresses on the area multiple times over the next few days. I'm not familiar with Cicatrin powder but it appears to be antimicrobial in nature. This powder will only treat the very surface of the wounds and may not get down into the deeper layers but I guess it's ok to continue using it. Only use hydrogen peroxide once to cleanse the wounds. If you can get some chlorhexidine solution, you could use that daily to clean the wounds. Good luck with Mano.

It's very possible your dog's illness is related to the cat bite. He likely has an infection since cat bites tend to seal over and trap bacteria inside to fester. I strongly recommend getting your dogs seen by your vet as soon as possible for an exam, wound care and probably antibiotics to help him heal faster.