Role of prophylactic antibiotics in treating patients presenting to emergency care with dog bites

Dog bites account for 250,000 attendances for urgent and emergency care each year. They pose risks including infections with potentially life-threatening complications. This article scrutinises the evidence underpinning the use of prophylactic antibiotics in dog bite wounds. A focused literature review involving four databases specialising in peer-reviewed healthcare literature was conducted to identify the highest quality evidence, which was then systematically appraised. The use of antibiotics in treating dog bite wounds to reduce the risk of infection is largely supported by the evidence. However, significant limitations exist in the research, with patient-specific criteria for administering prophylactic antibiotics and the associated risks and financial costs not addressed. Further research into antibiotic treatment for dog bites would help to support clinicians, nurse practitioners and the wider nursing and allied health professional team in urgent and emergency care by informing safe practice and in turn improving patient care, cost-effectiveness and antimicrobial stewardship.