Dog bites can be dangerous – even deadly. If you find yourself on the wrong end of those teeth, you must consider several factors. Tending to the bite itself on the scene as well as following up after can be imperative. This is all before the concept of recuperating damages even comes into play.
You owe it to yourself to attend to injuries quickly and carefully.
Risk of dog bites
A dog’s jaw is powerful, with sharp, carnivorous teeth designed to rip and tear at flesh. With enough time or in the right area, a bite or mauling can pose several hurdles to care and recovery:
- Damage can be extensive enough to damage tendons or nerves
- Tearing can be extreme enough to need plastic surgery
- Deep wounds can pose a severe risk of infection
Care of dog bites
WebMD’s pet website has a list of recommendations for dealing with dog bites. Initial treatment involves stemming the bleeding and cleaning the wound with soap and water. Once cleaned, apply sterile bandages and antibiotic ointment – changing daily to prevent infection.
Soon as you take care of the initial harm, see a doctor about your bite – especially if the dog is unknown. If the bleeding is not stopping or if signs of infection are showing (redness, swelling and pus), see a doctor ASAP.
It is vital to know if the dog has had its rabies vaccine, otherwise treatment shifts to a “better safe than sorry” philosophy and you will need the vaccine administered. The doctor will generally prescribe antibiotics to fight further infection and may need to suture the wound. The faster you take care of it, the better.
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