What to do when you get bit by a dog? How do you know if a dog bite is serious? Read on to learn everything you need to know here.
Did you know that around 85 million families in the US own a dog?
Fluffy, cute, and man’s best friends, it’s not really a surprise so many people have a puppy in their home.
If a dog isn’t properly trained, feels threatened, or gets too excited it might bite, which can be dangerous!
Find out what to do when you get bit by a dog with our guide.
What to Do When You Get Bit by a Dog
Immediately after a dog bite, there are some steps you can take to minimize the wound. A dog bite can introduce you to a lot of harmful bacteria that you need to deal with as soon as possible. Follow these steps before seeing a doctor:
- Rinse out the wound with warm water and use a wound wash to clean it
- Hold a clean cloth over the wound to stop the cleaning
- Apply an antiseptic or antibiotic cream if you have one
- Use a sterile bandage to wrap you dog bite injury
These are easy steps that can prevent infection, which is a must immediately after a bit. The sooner you act the less chance you have of infection!
Visit a Doctor
Cleaning the wound will help but it should always be checked by a professional. Explain the situation, as well as how bad your wound is when getting an appointment.
Your doctor will clean the wound and prescribe antibiotics if they think there’s a chance of infection. They’ll also make sure you’re up to date with your tetanus shots and give you a booster if they think you need one.
If your bite is large and bleeding, your doctor may also use stitches. This can help it heal quicker and reduce your chance of large scars. These are usually dissolvable but you may need a follow-up meeting to have them removed.
Legal Advice on What to Do When a Dog Bites You
If you’ve been bitten by someone else’s dog, you need to take action. Their dog may be dangerous or the owners could be mistreating it. Speak to the police first to make sure they’re aware of what’s happened.
You should then find a personal injury attorney who can help you with any legal action you might take. You’ve been bitten by a potentially dangerous animal and incurred medical fees, so it’s important you have an attorney on your side who can help you take any action you need to. They can usually settle your claim without going to trial, winning you compensation without any hassle.
Take Action Quickly
The best piece of advice for what to do when you get bit by a dog is to see a doctor as quickly as you can. In the meantime keep your wound clean and try to stop any bleeding.
For more helpful lifestyle and travel tips, make sure to check out other articles on our website!
