Small boys at greatest risk of dog bites

MANHATTAN, Kan., Aug. 17 (UPI) -- Children ages 5-9 -- especially boys -- are at greatest risk of dog bites, a U.S. veterinarian says.

Dr. Kate Stenske of the University of Kansas says small boys are probably at most risk due to their size and proximity to dogs, their loud noises, fast movements, unintentional provoking and lack of understanding of dogs' body language. Usually, the boys' injuries are usually the most serious from pet bites, Stenske says.

"Wounds that are most likely to become infected are those on the face and hands or when people wait more than eight hours before seeking medical attention," Stenske says in a statement. "If you are bitten, first wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water, and then call your physician right away."

Bite wounds can become infected because dogs and cats both harbor a mixture of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in their mouths.

However, some bite-induced infections can't be blamed on pets, but have become contaminated with bacteria people carry on their skin, rather than bacteria from the pet's mouth, Stenske says.