- Examine the bite. The majority of dog bites will be minor wounds you can treat at home. ...
- Wash the bite thoroughly with soap and water. Spend several minutes washing the bite with plenty of soap and water at a comfortable temperature. [4]
- Apply pressure if the wound is bleeding. Use a clean towel or gauze to apply pressure to the bite if it is still bleeding after washing it. [5]
- Apply an antibiotic ointment. Antibiotic creams such as Neosporin or Bacitracin can also help prevent infections as the wound heals. [7]
- Bandage the bite. As soon as you apply the antibiotic ointment, bandage or dress the wound appropriately. [8]
- Change the bandage as necessary. You should change the bandage on the bite each time you soil it, such as when showering.
- Update your immunizations. Tetanus is a potential infection that can stem from any dog bite that breaks the skin. [9]
- Keep an eye on the bite. Watch for signs of other infection as the bite heals. If you think the bite is becoming infected, then see a doctor immediately.
- Determine the rabies vaccine status of the dog, if possible. Rabies is another possible infection you can get from even a minor dog bite.
- Seek medical attention for other health-related complications. Even for minor bites, some health-related complications mean you should still seek medical attention.
- Wash the wound. ...
- Slow the bleeding with a clean cloth.
- Apply over-the counter antibiotic cream if you have it.
- Wrap the wound in a sterile bandage.
- Keep the wound bandaged and see your doctor.
- Change the bandage several times a day once your doctor has examined the wound.
What's the best thing to do after a dog bite?
Infants and children should be evaluated after any dog bite. If there are no signs of skin damage or if there is a small amount of abrasion from a dog bite, it may be reasonable to watch for signs and symptoms of infection ( pain, redness, warmth, swelling, and drainage of pus or fluid) before seeking medical care.
When to see a doctor for dog bite treatment?
“You may need hospitalization and require intravenous antibiotics. You should always see a primary care provider if you’re bitten.” No matter what, make sure you see a doctor within eight hours of a dog bite, he says. Waiting longer raises your infection risk. If you have diabetes or are immunocompromised, your infection risk is even greater.
What needs to be done after a dog bite?
If a dog bites you, take these steps right away:
- Wash the wound. ...
- Slow the bleeding with a clean cloth.
- Apply over-the counter antibiotic cream if you have it.
- Wrap the wound in a sterile bandage.
- Keep the wound bandaged and see your doctor.
- Change the bandage several times a day once your doctor has examined the wound.
- Watch for signs of infection, including redness, swelling, increased pain and fever.
What is the best antibiotic for a dog bite?
- Literally “killer of many species”—probably the most virulent pathogen in dog bites and responsible for severe infection
- Present in >50% of dog bites15
- The most likely pathogen in infected wounds presenting within 12 hours of the bite15
How do you treat a dog bite at home?
To care for a dog bite injury at home:Place a clean towel over the injury to stop any bleeding.Try to keep the injured area elevated.Wash the bite carefully with soap and water.Apply a sterile bandage to the wound.Apply antibiotic ointment to the injury every day to prevent infection.
What to do if your dog bites you and breaks the skin?
If you have been bitten by a wild or stray animal, contact your provider right away. See your provider within 24 hours for any bite that breaks the skin. Call your provider or go to the emergency room if: There is swelling, redness, or pus draining from the wound.
What is the local treatment for dog bite?
Treating a dog bite involves administering basic first aid, including controlling the bleeding, cleaning and covering the wound, and watching for signs of an infection. You should see a doctor within 24 hours if the skin is broken. Additional treatments may include antibiotics, stitches, or even surgery.
How do doctors treat dog bites?
Depending on the severity of the bite and the victim's overall health, the doctor may recommend antibiotic treatment to prevent or treat infection. If the dog has or is suspected to have rabies, the victim will need a series of rabies vaccinations to prevent the development of the disease.
Should I go to the doctor if my dog bit me?
In general, most experts recommend seeking medical care within 24 hours after you've been bitten—especially if the bite has broken the skin. Dog bites can cause medical problems that aren't immediately obvious, such as rabies.
What are the do's and don'ts after dog bite?
Rinse the wound with water and soap. 3. A person with a dog bite will need to receive anti-rabies vaccine on 0, 3, 7, 14 and 28th day of dog bite. If he is unable to find out the status of the dog, he may need to receive a vaccine on 60th and 90th day after the dog bite.
Should I get a tetanus shot after a dog bite?
Tetanus does not always occur after a dog bite that punctures the skin. Still, because it is so easy to prevent tetanus with a booster shot, doctors often recommend that dog bite victims update their tetanus booster, just to be safe.
Should I worry about a small dog bite?
People should seek emergency medical attention for a dog bite if they have: uncontrollable bleeding from the wound. a fever. a red, swollen, or painful wound.
Does every dog bite need antibiotics?
Most dog bites are minor, and local wound care is the most important step to prevent infection. Wound infection complications after a bite occur 10% to 20% of the time and require antibiotics.
What happens if a vaccinated dog bites you?
Do you have to take vaccination against rabies if a vaccinated dog bites you? No, not if the dog is properly vaccinated against rabies and the efficacy of the vaccine is confirmed by laboratory evidence. Otherwise an appropriate post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) should be given.
What is best antibiotic for dog bite?
Infected animal bite wounds should be treated with an empiric antimicrobial agent, such as amoxicillin-clavulanate, that is active against both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. For intravenous therapy, ampicillin-sulbactam or piperacillin-tazobactam may be used.
Do I need a rabies shot after a dog bite?
If exposure to rabies is considered highly likely, post-exposure prophylaxis should be started as soon as possible after the exposure. If the initiation of post-exposure prophylaxis is delayed until test results from the involved animal are available, a maximum waiting period of 48 hours is recommended.
What is the importance of caring for a dog bite?
Ultimately, Dr. Sayles says, caring for a dog bite is about keeping bacteria from causing an infection.
How long after a dog bite should you see a doctor?
No matter what, make sure you see a doctor within eight hours of a dog bite, he says. Waiting longer raises your infection risk. If you have diabetes or are immunocompromised, your infection risk is even greater. Advertising Policy.
What happens if a dog bites your skin?
A dog’s front teeth will grab and compress your tissue, and their smaller teeth can also tear your skin. The result is an open, jagged wound. If the wound becomes infected, it is often severe, says emergency medicine physician Stephen Sayles III, MD.
What bacteria do dogs bite?
Roughly 50% of dog bites introduce bacteria, including staphylococcus, streptococcus and pasteurella, as well as capnocytophaga. Unvaccinated and feral dogs can also potentially carry — and transfer — rabies, so your doctor will want to know details about the dog that bit you.
Can a dog's wound be left open?
Generally, though, dog wounds are left open to heal unless they are on the face or if they could leave particularly severe scars if left unsutured.
How to treat a dog bite injury at home?
To care for a dog bite injury at home: Place a clean towel over the injury to stop any bleeding. Try to keep the in jured area elevated . Wash the bite carefully with soap and water. Apply a sterile bandage to the wound. Apply antibiotic ointment to the injury every day to prevent infection.
How to prevent dog bites?
To prevent dog bites: When choosing a dog for a family pet, pick one with a good temperament. Stay away from any dogs you don't know. Never leave young children alone with a dog -- especially an unfamiliar one. Don't try to play with any dog that is eating or feeding their puppies.
Why do you suture a dog bite wound?
Sometimes, sutures are used to close a dog bite wound; however, this practice is controversial. Although suturing the injury can reduce scarring, it also can increase the risk of infection. Whether the injury is closed may depend on its location. For example, dog bites on the face may be sutured to prevent visible scars.
How many dogs bite a year?
They may be our best friends, but dogs are still animals and they can bite. In fact, dogs bite about 4.7 million Americans every year, half of them children between ages 5 and 9. One out of every five of those bites causes an injury that requires medical attention, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Children are also more likely than adults to be injured by a dog bite.
What to do if your dog is aggressive?
If a dog becomes aggressive, do not run away or scream. Stay calm, move slowly, and don't make eye contact with the dog.
How long does it take for a dog to get rabies shots?
to have rabies, but if the dog's health status is unknown, or the dog tests positive for rabies, you will need to get a rabies vaccine, a series of shots over a 2-week period. (Bear in mind that the dog would have to be euthanized and their brain tested for rabies.)
How to help a dog with a bite?
Ask someone to assist you as you clean your dog’s wound. Your dog will likely wiggle around and get jumpy or cranky as you try to assess and clean the bite, so ask a friend or neighbor to hold his head to steady him. If you cannot get someone to assist you, use a tie or cord as a muzzle.
How to treat a dog bite that has scabbed?
1. Ask your vet to assess the extent of the bite and determine if sutures are needed. If the wound does not need suturing, you can expect it to scab over, and a week or so later the scab will peel away to reveal healed tissue underneath. Check the scabbed area every day to ensure it is dry and there is no pus present.
How to flush a wound in a first aid kit?
Use sachets of sterile saline from a first aid kit to flush the wound. If you do not have access to a first aid kit with saline, you can make a salt water solution.
How to clean a wound before going to the vet?
Clean any wounds as best as you can before heading to the vet. To clean the wound, snip the corner off a saline sachet and squirt the fluid over the wound. This flushes away contaminants and reduces the risk of infection setting in. Reserve a small volume of saline and use it to moisten the sterile dressing pad in the first aid kit. Place the moist dressing pad over the wound and bandage it in place. This keeps the exposed tissue moist on the way to the clinic and in optimal condition for suturing.
What happens if a dog is shaken in the jaw?
If your dog was shaken in the jaws of their attacker, a large wound or skin flap may have been torn away from the underlying tissues.
How to cut a bite wound?
2. Clip the fur around the wound. To see the full extent of the damage, use a pair of scissors, ideally with curved blades, to trim the hair away from the wound edges. Start trimming at the wound edge and snip around the area until the whole wound is exposed. Repeat this for all the bite wounds you can see.
What is the best way to clean a wound?
Bathe the wound in saline solution. Saline solution is ideal because it is gentle on the exposed tissue and will not dry it out.
How to treat a dog bite?
To treat a minor dog bite, start by washing the wound thoroughly with antibacterial soap and water. If the wound keeps bleeding after you clean it, apply pressure to the area with a clean towel or gauze for several minutes until it stops. Next, gently apply an antibiotic ointment to the wound and cover it with a bandage or wrap it in gauze. Be sure to wash the wound and dress it with a fresh bandage once per day to prevent infection. For tips on recognizing the symptoms of infection, read on!
What happens if a dog bites you?
Due to the crushing power of the jaw of certain dog breeds, you may also have signs of bone, ligament, or joint damage, such as painful movements or the inability to move the area around the bite. Additional signs that the bite will require medical attention rather than home care include: [16]
How to stop bleeding from a bite?
Apply pressure if the wound is bleeding. Use a clean towel or gauze to apply pressure to the bite if it is still bleeding after washing it. The bleeding should stop or slow enough to bandage the wound within several minutes.
How long does it take for a bite to stop bleeding?
If the bite has jagged edges or ones that are far apart. If blood is spurting from the bite or the bleeding cannot be stopped within fifteen minutes of applying pressure. If the wound is larger than one or two centimeters.
What happens if a dog bites a dog's teeth?
Examine the bite. Severe bites will have one or more deep puncture wounds from the dog’s teeth that may or may not have severe tearing of the tissue that followed the puncture (s). [15]
What is the most serious concern with animal bites?
The most serious concern with animal bites is rabies. By knowing how to clean and care for a dog bite—as well as when it’s time to see a doctor about the bite—you can minimize the risk of any related complications. Steps.
How long should a dog be seen for rabies?
If the dog’s vaccine status is uncertain—such as if the dog was a stray—the dog should be observed for fifteen days (if possible) to see if it develops signs of rabies. You should also seek professional medical assistance if you can’t verify the vaccination status of the dog.
How to treat a dog bite?
Treating a dog bite involves administering basic first aid, including controlling the bleeding, cleaning and covering the wound, and monitoring for infection. Your doctor may prescribe additional treatments—such as antibiotics, stitches, or even surgery—depending on the size of the bite and where it is located on your body.
Why is it important to know how to handle a dog bite?
Regardless of the reason for the bite, it's important to know how to handle a dog bite, because it can cause a significant injury or infection. This article outlines basic first aid for bite wounds and when to contact your physician. Gwendolyn Plath / Getty Images.
How often should you change bandages after a rabies bite?
This may involve an injection of rabies antibodies and several rabies vaccine shots. Bandages should be changed several times a day until the bite heals. 4 It is also important to watch for signs of infection, including: Redness. Swelling. Fever, or warmth around the wound. Weeping pus.
How many people will be bitten by dogs in 2021?
on July 05, 2021. Each year in the United States, more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs and more than 800,000 seek medical treatment for their injuries. 1 Dogs may bite for a number of reasons. They may be fearful, sick, or in pain, or may bite out of aggression. Regardless of the reason for the bite, ...
What happens if a dog's laceration is unable to touch?
Any unidentified dog presents a minor risk of carrying rabies.
How to treat bleeding wounds?
Once the bleeding is controlled, clean the wound with soap and warm water. Do not be afraid to clean inside the wound. Be sure to rinse all the soap away, or it will cause irritation later. Cover the wound. Use a clean, dry dressing . You can put antibiotic ointment on the wound before covering, but it's not necessary.
How to stop a bite from bleeding?
Control any bleeding by following the appropriate steps. Use a clean towel to apply pressure to the bite. Avoid using a tourniquet unless there is severe bleeding that cannot be controlled any other way. 3. Clean the wound. Once the bleeding is controlled, clean the wound with soap and warm water.
What to do if a dog bites you?
If the person is at risk of developing an infection from a dog bite, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection.
How to treat a dog bite wound?
People can treat minor wounds by: washing the wound with soap and warm water, making sure to clean the area thoroughly . running the wound under lukewarm water to flush out bacteria. applying antibiotic cream to the wound and then wrapping ...
How to avoid getting infection from dog bite?
People may be able to avoid getting an infection from a dog bite if they wash the wound straight away. They can hold the wound under running water or use soap and water to wash it thoroughly before covering the wound with a bandage to keep it clean.
What happens if a dog bites a person?
What happens if a dog bite gets infected? If a dog bite pierces a person’s skin, bacteria from the animal’s mouth can get into the body, which can cause an infection. Washing the wound thoroughly can remove the bacteria from the body and help prevent infection.
What is the purpose of antibiotics in a wound?
The doctor may then prescribe antibiotics to fight off any bacteria that have entered the body and prevent infection. A doctor will also be able to examine the wound to look for any damage to structures in the body, such as nerves or bones.
How do you know if your dog has rabies?
The first symptoms of rabies are: a headache, fever, and other flu-like symptoms. weakness. an itching or prickling feeling around the bite. Rabies is fatal if a person does not receive treatment. People should see their doctor straight away if they think that the dog that bit them might have rabies.
How long does it take for a dog bite to hurt?
An infected dog bite may cause pain for longer than 24 hours. Symptoms of a dog bite infection can include: swelling and redness around the wound. pain that lasts longer than 24 hours. drainage from the wound. difficulty moving the affected part of the body. a warm feeling around the wound.
What to do if your dog bites you?
Morgan Callahan, VMD at the Center for Animal Referral and Emergency Services (CARES), a 24-hour emergency veterinary care hospital in Langhorne, Pennsylvania, says that if you see a dog bite your dog, the first thing you should do is remove your dog from the situation.
How to prevent dog bites?
Preventing infection is key after a dog bite. First and foremost, make sure to fully administer any dog antibiotics prescribed by the veterinarian. It is very important to keep your dog from licking or scratching at their wound.
What is the tip of the iceberg in a bite wound?
Dr. Callahan adds, “In veterinary school, we are taught that the puncture you see on the outside of the skin is the ‘tip of the iceberg’ in a bite wound injury. This is because a bite is both a crushing and shearing injury. Often, tissue can be damaged under the puncture, and a pocket is created.
What to look for in a dog bite?
In more serious cases, Dr. Callahan says that X-rays or ultrasounds may be suggested to look for broken bones or contusions. Vets can also use these tools to see if the bite has perforated the chest cavity or abdominal cavity, which is a much more severe case than a superficial wound.
What to do if your dog can't walk?
If your dog isn’t able to walk, you should carry him, but Dr. Callahan says that even the gentlest dog may bite you when injured or scared, so you should be cautious.
How to get a dog back to normal after a dog bite?
Getting Back to Normal. After a dog attack that results in a dog bite, getting your dog back to her normal, happy self may take some time. Dr. Laurie Bergman, VMD, a veterinary behaviorist who works at NorthStar VETS, says that the first step is identifying the situation that led to the bite.
What happens if a dog bites another dog?
Sumridge notes that dogs who suffer bites will often exhibit behavioral issues. “It isn’t just physical care that’s necessary with a bite, but behavioral care and management are important as well. It’s very likely that a dog will be fearful of whatever caused a bite, so he may be hesitant to interact with other dogs following a dog attack. He also might react aggressively to other dogs, and I mean all other dogs, not just the one who bit him. In this case, it’s imperative that you seek professional help. Don’t force interactions or socialization, because if reintroduction isn’t done properly, it can make the issue worse,” she explains.
How to treat a dog bite?
To care for a minor animal bite or claw wound, such as one that only breaks the skin, take these steps: 1 Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. 2 Apply an antibiotic cream or ointment and cover the bite with a clean bandage.
How to stop bleeding from a deep puncture?
The skin is badly torn, crushed or bleeding significantly — first apply pressure with a bandage or clean cloth to stop the bleeding.
Can a bat bite a human?
If the bite was caused by a wild animal, seek advice from your doctor about which animals are most likely to carry rabies. Bats often carry rabies and can infect humans without leaving obvious signs of a bite.
