What is the recommended first line treatment for Animal Bites (Dog/Cat)?

The recommended first-line treatment for animal bites, particularly from dogs and cats, is amoxicillin-clavulanate. This antibiotic is effective due to its broad-spectrum activity against common bacteria found in the mouths of dogs and cats, such as Pasteurella species, as well as other potential pathogens that can cause infections following a bite.

Amoxicillin-clavulanate combines amoxicillin, which is a penicillin-type antibiotic effective against many gram-positive and some gram-negative bacteria, with clavulanate, which inhibits beta-lactamase enzymes produced by resistant bacteria. This combination enhances the efficacy of amoxicillin, allowing it to combat bacteria that might otherwise be resistant.

In contrast, while doxycycline is effective against certain bacterial infections, including those caused by some ticks and respiratory pathogens, it is not the first-line choice for animal bites due to its narrower spectrum. Azithromycin is primarily used for respiratory infections and atypical pathogens; it does not cover the common flora associated with animal bites. Gentamicin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, is generally reserved for serious infections involving resistant organisms and has limited use in outpatient treatment for simple animal bites.

Thus, amoxicillin-clavulanate is the preferred option for managing the risk