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Dog Bites

Posted by: Jason Reese
January 07, 2008
Topic: Dog Bites

How to Take Care of a Dog Bite

Here are some things you should do to take care of a wound caused by a dog bite:

  • If necessary, call your doctor (see the list below).
  • Wash the wound gently with soap and water.
  • Apply pressure with a clean towel to the injured part to stop the bleeding.
  • Apply a sterile bandage to the wound.
  • Keep the injury elevated above the level of the heart to slow swelling and prevent infection.
  • Report the incident to the proper authority in your community (for example, animal control office or police).
  • Apply antibiotic ointment to the area 2 times every day until it heals.

 

Call your doctor in any of these situations:

•· You have a dog bite on your hand, foot or head, or you have a bite that is deep or gaping.

•· You have diabetes, liver or lung disease, cancer, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or another condition that could weaken your ability to fight infection.

•· You have any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, increased tenderness, oozing of pus from the wound or fever.

•· You have bleeding that doesn't stop after 15 minutes of pressure or you think you may have a broken bone, nerve damage or another serious injury.

•· Your last tetanus shot (vaccine) was more than 5 years ago. (If so, you may need a booster shot.)


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