If you notice someone keeping away from dogs in your locality, you would know why, especially if you have been bitten by a dog previously. No doubt, dogs are the most admirable and lovable pets, but they pose to be a serious danger when ill-treated. As such, the increasing statistics of dog bites every year simply indicate that public should be educated on what to do to avoid an aggressive encounter with stray dogs and if encountered, how to respond to their behavior. With over more than 4.5 million dog bites in the United States alone, one can only estimate the number across the world. Nonetheless, seeking immediate first aid and medical help can reduce the chances of further infection and damage. Learn how to treat a dog bite at home by browsing through the following lines.
Dog Bite Treatment
Dog Bite Treatment
- In case the blood flow is not excessive, allow the puncture wound to bleed for sometime. Doing so will help in flushing out the bacteria from the dog bite wound.
- In case it is a laceration wound, stop the bleeding from the dog bite wound by applying pressure.
- If the bite is on your hand or arm, place the wounded hand above your heart.
- Using anti-bacterial soap, wash the wound with hot water for five minutes continuously. This will wash away all the saliva and stop the wound from getting infected.
- After washing the wound with soap, keep it under cold running water for another five minutes.
- Dry the wound completely using a gauze pad. If you do not have gauze pad, use paper towels. Avoid towels as they tend to contain huge amounts of bacteria.
- Apply a generous amount of hydrogen peroxide over the dog bite wound and the area surrounding it. This will disinfect the wound area.
- Leave the wound to air dry. In case hydrogen peroxide drips, wipe it off using sterile gauze, but leave the application about one-inch diameter around the wound. Also, do not blow over the ointment as this can further contaminate the wound.
- Apply sufficient amount of antibiotic ointment using a sterile gauze pad on the wound.
- Cover the wound with a sterile bandage.
- To reduce and prevent swelling, apply ice compressors to the dog bite wound.
- In case the dog bite wound requires stitches, head to the hospital emergency room after performing the above first aid steps.
- Also, look for any signs of infection, such as unusual redness or swelling, increasing warmth in the area, red streaking, or fever. In such cases, see a doctor immediately.
- Call in a physician and determine the status of the wound. Some dog bites require antibiotics, particularly, if they are deep puncture wounds.
- Also, if you have been bitten by any unidentified dog, the risk of getting contaminated with rabies runs high. If the dog cannot be identified or the owner cannot show proof of rabies vaccination, it is best to seek medical attention. Rabies is always fatal to humans if not treated. Get an anti-rabies injection to wade off any possibility of infection.
