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Which is Worse, Dog Bite or Human Bite?

Which is Worse, Dog Bite or Human Bite?

Q: Which is more dangerous, a dog bite or a human bite?

A: It’s very hard to answer this question.  A bite from any animal (humans included) that is strong enough to break the skin and cause bleeding poses a threat that the bacteria residing in the mouth of the biter can enter into the blood stream and cause a severe infection.

With any type of bite, the best policy is to wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and consult your healthcare provider to determine if any further management is needed.

Dr. Brent Ridge is the health expert for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia. You can call and ask him a question live every Tuesday at 2 p.m. Eastern on Sirius Satellite Radio, Channel 112 (1.866.675.6675). You can also follow along as he learns to grow his own food and raise goats on his farm in upstate New York by visiting www.beekman1802.com.

Got a health question for Dr. Brent? E-mail him at drbrent@care2.com.

Read more: Pets, , ,

Dr. Brent

As an undergraduate, Dr. Brent Ridge majored in public health and environmental science, studying the way the state of the natural environment impacts our health choices. As a physician, he specializes in the field of aging. Send your health questions to Dr. Brent at drbrent@care2.com

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31 comments

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3:29AM PDT on May 12, 2012

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3:28AM PDT on May 12, 2012

Sending a Green Star is a simple way to say "Thank you"

You cannot currently send a star to Jane because you have done so within the last week.

6:21AM PDT on Apr 8, 2012

Veterinarians will tell you that human bites and cat bites almost always become infected without treatment, whereas dog bites often do not. They even state that a dog licking it's own wound helps keep it clean and promotes healing, as long as they don't lick excessively. I think any bite is bad and to be avoided.

10:38AM PDT on Apr 7, 2012

I think they're both bad with the bacteria and potential for disease. The difference is dogs bite by nature, humans bite out of stupidity.

2:03AM PDT on Apr 7, 2012

Very interesting

10:45PM PDT on Apr 6, 2012

either way...OUCH!

2:27AM PST on Feb 23, 2012

Good to know, thank you.

9:56AM PST on Feb 8, 2012

Human bites, they are done on purpose

7:44AM PST on Feb 7, 2012

Human, no doubt. Thanks.

11:33PM PST on Feb 6, 2012

Who knows or cares?

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