A dog’s front teeth can grab and compress tissue, smaller teeth can also tear the skin. The result: an open, jagged wound, which if it becomes infected, is often severe. There are steps you should take to treat the wound and reduce the risk of infection. Best practice is to obtain professional medical attention the same day.
If the dog bite victim is bleeding profusely, has lost a lot of blood, or is severely injured, call 9-1-1 immediately!
Tips on How to Treat Dog Bites
In general, here are some tips to help you take care of a more minor to moderate dog bite injury. This does NOT replace the care you would receive from a medical professional.
Clean the Bite Site. Use mild soap and run warm tap water over it for five to 10 minutes.
Slow the bleeding with a clean cloth.
If there is a lot of blood, you may want to elevate the injured area; however, if you are not able to stop the flow of blood, you will want to call for emergency help.
Apply over-the-counter antibiotic cream if you have it.
It is NOT recommended to use rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, iodine, or Mercurochrome for puncture wounds. These can slow the healing process.
Wrap the wound in a sterile bandage.
Typically, puncture wounds do not need to be bandaged; however, if you do, be sure to clean the wound thoroughly.
Keep the dog bite bandaged and see your doctor.
Change the bandage several times a day once your doctor has examined the wound (and follow his/her instructions).
Watch for signs of infection, including redness, swelling, increased pain, and fever.
Medical Evaluations of Dog Bites
While many minor bites can be treated with first aid at home, it is recommended you follow up with your regular doctor to ensure proper healing. You also want to contact your doctor:
- If you don’t know the dog that bit you or your child, a rabies shot may be needed.
- If the wound looks very deep; the doctor may want to start a short course of antibiotic medication.
- To find out if you or your child are up-to-date on your tetanus shots.
- If you notice signs of an infection such as redness, swelling, warmth, pus, running a temperature, and swollen lymph glands.
- If there is a pre-existing condition such as diabetes, that makes a person more susceptible to infection.
Disease and Rabies
Whether a simple scrape or a puncture wound, be sure to clean and disinfect the wound thoroughly. Bacteria live in a dog’s mouth and can be transmitted to the wound, making a minor scrape a more serious condition by causing an infection and spreading bacteria to other parts of the body.
Be sure to ask the dog’s owner if the dog is up-to-date on his or her vaccinations. You want to make sure the dog does not have rabies. If you or your child was bitten by a strange or unknown dog, be sure to contact animal control as soon as possible. Signs to be aware of with a rabid dog include overt aggression and attack behavior, behaving strangely, or seeming to be partially paralyzed.
Schedule a Free Evaluation from Experienced Dog Bite Attorneys
The Nash & Franciskato Law Firm in Kansas City has handled many serious animal attack cases involving dog bites. Our caring and compassionate lawyers look at all angles in order to obtain the compensation you deserve.
Plus, our personal injury legal team gives you:
- Over 80 years of combined experience
- Trusted legal advisor committed to your needs
- Super Lawyers for over 10 years
- The AV Preeminence Rating for Ethical Standards & Legal Ability
- Compassionate advocacy for you and your family
If your child has suffered from a dog bite, learn more about holding the animal’s owner liable for injuries suffered, such as pain and suffering, medical and mental health expenses, future disability, and future medical expenses. Contact our lawyers in Kansas City at (877) 284-6600 for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.
You deserve to hold a dog owner or handler responsible for the actions of their pet.
Contact Us for a Free Review of Your Case
Editor’s Note: This page was originally written on February 14, 2016. It was reviewed for content and accuracy on October 17, 2024, when it was re-published.
FAQ
The following are some of the symptoms to watch for in a dog:
- fever
- seizures
- paralysis
- hydrophobia
- jaw is dropped
- inability to swallow
- change in tone of bark
- muscular lack of coordination
- unusual shyness or aggression
- excessive excitability
- constant irritability/changes in attitude and behavior
- paralysis in the mandible and larynx
- excessive salivation or frothy saliva
Veterinarians keep dogs quarantined in a locked cage for ten days. This is the only acceptable method for confirming suspected rabies infection. However, rabies can be confused with other conditions that cause aggressive behavior, so a laboratory blood analysis must be conducted to confirm the presence of the virus.