Please help us continue to provide you with our trusted how-to guides and videos for free by whitelisting wikiHow on your ad blocker. Dog bites account for 1% of injury-related emergency department visits in the United States and an estimated $53.9 million in inpatient costs per year.1 Of … These germs can cause bacterial infections if the dog bite breaks the skin. Recommended to you based on your activity and what's popular • Feedback A stray dog jumped on me with enthusiasm. Burning sensation, twitching or tingling at the site of the bite is not a good sign. One thing you need to know is that what you see on the surface isn’t the whole story. Always seek emergency medical help if you suspect a broken bone. If the bite has broken the skin, you should seek immediate medical attention after cleaning the wound. If you need medical attention, call for help rather than driving yourself to the doctor or hospital. You can contract cat scratch fever from cats infected with Bartonella henselae bacteria. Always better to be safe. Read on to learn the steps you should take following a dog bite, and what you can do to prevent infection. If not, move the patient to a safe location. Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. What kind of serum? Infections can spread quickly throughout the body. ", "The fact that I got to know how I could treat them helped. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Treatment of a dog bite depends upon the severity of the wound and incorporates cleaning and exploring the wound, potential sutures, antibiotics, and sometimes surgery. Dog bites are nasty and often deep and may transmit rabies (in some places), bacteria or other harmful agents. Cynophobia can affect your everyday life. While this article offers information related to dog bites, it should not be considered medical advice. As soon as possible. You might need antibiotics or a more involved wound "wash out." Minor bites can be treated at your GP surgery, or by staff at your local walk-in centre or minor injuries unit. If the dog is a stray, call animal control. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. If you are suffering from an infected dog bite wound, you should contact your doctor and consider going to the emergency room, as an infection could lead to blood poisoning, gangrene at the site of the wound and possibly death. Thanks a lot. For dogs you know, a dog bite should be treated like a laceration and watched for signs of infection. Once there’s no longer an immediate threat, it’s important to determine if the dog has been inoculated against rabies. The most commonly used antibiotic is amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin). 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. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. [2] Dog bites can cause several complications. We explain this fear of dogs and how you can treat the condition. To treat a minor dog bite, start by washing the wound thoroughly with antibacterial soap and water. ", Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow, http://www.uptodate.com/contents/animal-bites-beyond-the-basics?source=search_result&search=dog+bite&selectedTitle=1~26, http://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-animal-bites/basics/art-20056591, http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?ContentTypeID=1&ContentID=2978, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3178974, http://www.uptodate.com/contents/rabies-beyond-the-basics?source=search_result&search=dog+bite&selectedTitle=7~26, http://www.uptodate.com/contents/soft-tissue-infections-due-to-dog-and-cat-bites?source=see_link§ionName=Prophylaxis&anchor=H8#H8, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Around 1 in 5 dog bites require medical treatment. Yes, you can sue for the incident. If you notice signs of infection, see your doctor right away. Will the dog be euthanized if it eats someone’s skin? Bites to the face and neck are the next most common site for dog bites. This article helped me a lot. If you cannot verify that the dog has been vaccinated for rabies (either through your own documentation for your dog or the owner’s documentation if someone else’s), then you should always seek medical attention. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Adults should get a tetanus booster shot every 10 years. The first thing you should do following a dog bite is to put distance between yourself and the dog. Animal bites on your hand and fingers are common, especially from pets like dogs and cats. How Often Should You Get a Tetanus Shot and Why’s It Important? Infection rate of dog bites is 15-20%. Dog, cat or bat bites are usually minor, but infections can occur if the skin is broken and bacteria from the saliva (spit) of the animal enter your bloodstream. Dog Bites. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. By using our site, you agree to our. Cat or dog bite photos, taken on a daily basis (in the same location with the same lighting), can be compared and if the wound fails to improve or gets worse, this indicates infection. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. As what has been previously mentioned, the owner of the dog can be held accountable whenever their dog acts aggressively, causing injuries or damage to property. Whether it’s treatment for a cat scratch or dog bite, photos can be a useful tool for monitoring healing. The soap and water might sting the site of the bite, but it’s still a much better idea to wash the area thoroughly. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Examine the bite. X An additional injection of rabies immune globulin is also required as part of the treatment. Troy Madsen takes us step by step—from what you should do after being bitten to when you should be worried about rabies. Your dog can’t tell you in words how he is feeling and where it hurts – therefore when considering how to treat a dog bite on a dog… Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017. 10 Warning Signs You Should Take Your Dog to the Vet, Possible Health Issues in Common Dog Breeds. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. Adults should get a booster at least every 10 years, or possibly earlier if there’s a chance…. If your skin wasn’t broken, wash the area with warm water and soap. Updated June 2, 2020 Dog bite settlements are mutually agreed-upon terms that provide victims compensation for their injuries without having to go to trial. Never approach a dog you don’t know, no matter how adorable they may look. All dog bite wounds, even minor ones, should be monitored for signs of infection until they’re completely healed. Take the following action to improve the condition of the bite wound: Sit down. In many instances, the appearance of mild scarring will lessen over time. Keep an eye on the wound for signs of infection. This article has been viewed 393,827 times. This article was co-authored by Chris M. Matsko, MD. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, it’s important to tend to the injury right away to reduce your risk of bacterial infection. How quickly should you seek treatment after a dog bite? Read more about types of bites, symptoms, and treatments. 80-90% of bites wounds are from dogs. This tool does not provide medical advice. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Keep the wound covered and change bandages daily. Thank you. Will the scab come off on its own? ", "I have a dog bite which cut the skin a bit, and after reading this article it is more helpful. If the wound gets worse, it is always better to see a qualified doctor. Children are also more likely than adults to be injured by a dog bite. Go to the doctor immediately. Tell your doctor at this time whether or not you know if the dog that bit you has received a rabies vaccination. If the bite is deep enough to see fat, muscle, or bone, 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. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. The type of first aid you administer will be determined by the severity of the bite. If for instance, a dog has bitten you and caused minor wounds, can you sue for a minor dog bite? This will help flush out germs. Dog Bite Treatment for Dogs. Domestic animals, like dogs and cats, are responsible for the majority of animal bites. Rabies in humans is rare in the United States and not typically transmitted by dogs, thanks to widespread inoculation and prevention programs. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7e\/Treat-a-Dog-Bite-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Treat-a-Dog-Bite-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7e\/Treat-a-Dog-Bite-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/aid1189791-v4-728px-Treat-a-Dog-Bite-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":" \u00a9 2021 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Dog bites can introduce dangerous bacteria into the body. They will attempt to find the dog and check for rabies. Also avoid roughhousing or playing aggressively with dogs, including those you know. Secure the dog and/or the patient. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. 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 can also apply an antibacterial lotion to the area as a precaution. If the bite barely broke the skin or the teeth dragged to form a shallow scratch, then you can treat the wound at home. Is it safe to use hydrogen peroxide to rinse a dog bite and leave the wound open? Move one away from the other. To prevent dog bites: When choosing a dog … It’s very important to wash the wound as soon as you’re bitten and to use topical antibiotics, such as povidone iodine, in and around broken skin. Learn about tortoises, cockatiels, Labradors, hamsters, sea monkeys, and other great pets for…, A lionfish sting isn’t typically life threatening to healthy individuals, but it can be painful. This differs from a wound where the tissue is deeply punctured, torn, or joints/bones have been crushed. ", "Great info. If the dog’s owner is nearby, ask for the dog’s vaccination history, making sure to get the owner’s name, telephone number, and veterinarian’s contact information. I followed the instructions accordingly after the dog bit me. The most frequent complication of animal bites is skin infection. Medications that can weaken the immune system, such as those taken for autoimmune disorders. Bacteria can live in any dog’s mouth, including: Dogs may also carry MRSA, but there have been no current reports of it being transmitted via dog bite. Approved. The tetanus shot doesn’t provide lifelong protection. This information will help your physician decide what kind of follow-up treatment is necessary. Always see a doctor if you’re unsure regarding the severity of a bite. A bite from a large dog may result in broken, splintered, or fractured bones, especially in the legs, feet, or hands. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017. ", "I have not been bitten, touch wood, but it is helpful to know and easy to read, thanks. In most situations, these settlements happen after months of discussions and evidence gathering. Do not delay seeking help until symptoms of infection appear. If the dog bite is minor—a Level 1, 2 or 3 bite—you can probably safely manage the bite at home. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics for you, you’ll probably take them for 1 to 2 weeks. Some bites, especially from cats, can get infected by bacteria from the animal's mouth. What is the best care and treatment? Does the doctor have to report the dog bite if it was human error and the dog is known to me and doesn't have rabies? wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Always seek medical attention for these wounds, which are covered more in Method Two. Rarely, bites can cause serious injury and permanent disability. If you’re bitten by a dog that shows signs of rabies, such as acting erratically or foaming at the mouth, you should get a rabies vaccine. No, you should not leave the wound open because of the potential for infection, which could occur even if you apply hydrogen peroxide. If a dog bite tears the skin, it can cause scarring to occur. Dog bites are more frequently on extremities with the upper extremities being more common than lower extremities. Do I have to see the doctor again after recovery? The risk of infection may be greater in people with weakened immune systems or people with diabetes. Dog bites can be scary and, when left untreated, can also cause serious complications. This diversity also means a variety of different health conditions among the different…, Owning a pet can be a rewarding experience for a child. Follow up with an application of antibacterial lotion and cover with a sterile bandage. Apply an antibiotic cream or ointment and cover the bite with a clean bandage. For information on the best ways to prevent dog bites from happening in the first place, look at: How to Prevent Dog Bites. Rabies is caused by a virus that affects the central nervous system. "My dog bit me accidentally out of jealousy when she saw me handling another one of my dogs, and attempted to bite, "Clear steps on what to do for a pet/dog bite. File a dog bite report After you've been medically treated -- even if the injury was minor -- file a dog bite report with the proper city or county authorities. I have a severe dog bite, and it's important to do these steps. My daughter was hurt by a dog's nail and it bled a little. Bold Vs Bold,
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