What To Do After Dog Bite

This article will discuss the first-aid measures that should be taken after a dog bite. The first thing to do is to clean the wound with soap and water. It should be thoroughly washed and dried. The wound should then be covered with a sterile bandage or clean cloth. If there is any swelling, ice should be applied to the area of the bite for 15 minutes every hour, until the swelling subsides.

The article also discusses how to prevent infection after a dog bite and what you can do if you are allergic to dogs or if your pet has bitten someone else in your household.

What should you do immediately after a dog bite?

Wash the bite area with soap and water. If the bite is bleeding, put pressure on it using sterile gauze or a clean cloth. If the bleeding has stopped, put antibiotic ointment on the area. Cover the area with a bandage or sterile gauze. If your child has pain, give acetaminophen or ibuprofen.^[1]

What should I worry about after a dog bite?

uncontrollable bleeding from the wound. a fever. a red, swollen, or painful wound. a wound that feels warm. a deep wound and have not had their tetanus shot within the last 5 years.^[2]

Do I need a tetanus after a dog bite?

A tetanus shot may be required if you have not had one within 10 years; if you are not sure when you had your last tetanus shot, and you’ve been bitten, you should get one within 72 hours after your injury. If bitten, but the bleeding is minor, cleanse and treat the wound as you would a minor wound.^[3]

Should I worry about a small dog bite?

Although you can provide first aid for a dog bite at home, it’s very important to see a doctor, especially if an unfamiliar dog bit you, the bite is deep, you can’t stop the bleeding, or there are any signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth, pus).^[4]

How do you know if a dog bite is serious?

Extreme pain or pain that worsens over time. Uncontrollable bleeding. Deep lacerations or puncture wounds. Broken bones or internal injuries. Loss of function or muscle weakness. Signs of infection including redness, red streaks, tenderness, warmth, pus, or oozing fluid from the wound.^[5]

How long after dog bite is infected?

After being bitten, most people who become ill will show symptoms within 3 to 5 days, but this can range anywhere from 1 to 14 days. Most Capnocytophaga infections usually occur with dog or cat bites.^[6]

What is a Level 1 dog bite?

Level 1: No skin-contact by teeth – can be exuberant obnoxious behavior or aggression. Level 2: Skin contact made but no punctures. There may be small lacerations. Level 3: One-four shallow punctures from a single bite and potentially small lacerations from pulling the biting dog or victim body part away.^[7]

How do you treat a dog bite at home?

Stop the wound from bleeding by applying direct pressure with a clean, dry cloth. Wash the wound. Apply an antibacterial ointment to the wound. Put on a dry, sterile bandage. If the bite is on the neck, head, face, hand, fingers, or feet, call your provider right away.^[8]

Do I need to see a doctor after a dog bite?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, half of all dog bites introduce harmful bacteria to a person’s system. If the bite is deep, bleeding excessively, or the injury looks severe, seek medical care right away. The area should be cleaned well to avoid an infection, which could be very serious.^[9]

Do I need vaccine if my dog bite me?

After any bite, you should make sure you know when your last tetanus shot was — and that you’re up-to-date. While a tetanus immunization is good for 10 years, Dr. Sayles notes, your doctor may recommend a booster if the wound is dirty and it’s been more than five years since your last shot.^[10]

What are early symptoms of rabies in humans?

The first symptoms of rabies may be similar to the flu, including weakness or discomfort, fever, or headache. There also may be discomfort, prickling, or an itching sensation at the site of the bite. These symptoms may last for days. Symptoms then progress to cerebral dysfunction, anxiety, confusion, and agitation.^[11]

How do I know if my dog has rabies?

Physical signs of rabies in dogs to watch for include fever, difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling, staggering, seizures, and even paralysis. As the virus progresses, your dog may act as though they are overstimulated, meaning lights, movement, and sound may appear to have a negative effect.^[12]