Dog Bite Guide: Immediate Actions and Care Tips

Dog bites can be frightening. Children are often at higher risk. Quick action is crucial to prevent infection and aid healing. Stay calm, assess the wound, and seek medical help if the bite is deep, bleeding heavily, or shows signs of infection.

Proper care can prevent bacterial infections and serious complications. Don’t delay treatment to avoid long-term issues. Seek help promptly.

Immediate Steps After a Dog Bite

First, ensure your safety by moving away from the dog. If the owner is present, ask about the dog’s rabies vaccination. Get the dog’s vaccination history and the owner’s contact information, including their vet’s details. If the dog is a stray, ask nearby people if they know the dog’s caretaker or vaccination status.

Even if the dog is yours, confirm its rabies shots are up-to-date, as any animal can bite unexpectedly. Gather as much information as possible to ensure your safety and future treatment.

Health Risks from Dog Bites

Individuals with weak immune systems or diabetes are more susceptible to serious complications from dog bites. Deep bites can damage nerves, muscles, or blood vessels. Large dogs can even break bones. Seek medical help to prevent these issues.

Here are some potential problems from a dog bite:

• Bacterial infections such as Staphylococcus, Pasteurella, or Capnocytophaga
• Nerve and muscle damage
• Broken bones, especially in hands, feet, or legs
• Rabies, if the dog’s vaccination history is incomplete
• Permanent scarring, though doctors can help minimize its appearance
• Death is rare but more common in children under the age of 10

Preventing Infection After a Dog Bite

Dog bites can introduce harmful bacteria into your body, leading to serious infections if untreated. Follow these tips to prevent infection:

• Wash the wound immediately with soap and water
• Apply topical antibiotics like povidone iodine
• Cover the wound and change bandages daily
• Watch for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or increased pain
• Seek medical help if symptoms appear, which can occur from 24 hours to 14 days after the bite
• If prescribed antibiotics, take all of them, even if you feel better

When to Seek Medical Help

Don’t wait to seek medical help if you’re unsure about the severity of the bite or how you feel. See a doctor before the infection becomes serious.

• The dog’s rabies vaccine history is unknown, or the dog appears sick
• Bleeding won’t stop
• Severe pain or visible bone, tendons, or muscle
• Inability to move or use the injured part
• Signs of infection like redness, swelling, pus, or fluid
• Uncertainty about your tetanus shot status
• Feeling weak, dizzy, having a fever, or being confused