first aid
The type of first aid you administer will be determined by the severity of the bite.
If your skin wasn’t broken, wash the area with warm water and soap. You can also apply an antibacterial lotion to the area as a precaution.
If your skin was broken, wash the area with warm soap and water and gently press on the wound to promote a small amount of bleeding. This will help flush out germs.
If the bite is already bleeding, apply a clean cloth to the wound and gently press down to stop the flow. Follow up with an application of antibacterial lotion and cover with a sterile bandage.
All dog bite wounds, even minor ones, should be monitored for signs of infection until they’re completely healed.
Check the bite
often to see if it becomes:
red
swollen
warm
tender to the touch
If the wound gets worse, you feel pain, or develop a fever, see a doctor immediately.
Around 1 in 5 dog bites require medical treatment.
Always see a doctor for a dog bite that:
is caused by a dog with an unknown rabies vaccine history, or by a dog that’s acting erratically or appears to be sick
doesn’t stop bleeding
causes intense pain
exposes bone, tendons, or muscle
causes loss of function, such as an inability to bend fingers
looks red, swollen, or inflamed
leaks pus or fluid
Also seek medical attention if you:
do not remember when you had your last tetanus shot
feel weak, disoriented, or faint
are running a fever
What
are possible complications from a dog bite?
Dog bites can cause several complications. These include infections, rabies, nerve or muscle damage, and more.
Infection
Bacteria can live in any dog’s mouth, including:
staphylococcus
pasteurella
capnocytophaga
Dogs may also carry MRSA, but there have been no current reportsTrusted Source of it being transmitted via dog bite.
These germs can cause bacterial infections if the dog bite breaks the skin.
The risk of infection may be greater in people with weakened immune systems or people with diabetes. If you’ve been bitten by a dog and notice signs of infection, see a doctor.
Nerve and muscle damage
A deep bite can cause damage to nerves, muscles, and blood vessels under the skin. This can occur even if the wound appears to be small, like from puncture marks.
Broken bones
A bite from a large dog may result in broken, splintered, or fractured bones, especially in the legs, feet, or hands.
Always seek emergency medical help if you suspect a broken bone.
Rabies
Rabies is a serious viral condition that affects the central nervous system. Left untreated, it can lead to death within a few days of infection.
Seek immediate medical attention if you’ve been bitten by a dog and you aren’t sure of their vaccination history or know that they’re not up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations.
Tetanus
Tetanus is a bacterial disease. It’s uncommon in the United States where vaccines are routinely provided to children. Adults should get a tetanus booster shot every 10 years
Treatment steps
Wash the wound with soap and warm water.
Gently press a clean cloth over the wound to stop the flow of blood.
Apply an antibacterial ointment to the wound.
Cover with a sterile bandage.
Watch for signs of infection.
Seek help if you suspect infection or possible exposure to rabies, or if the wound is severe.
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