According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dog bites often lead to 800,000 hospital visits in the US each year, with around half of the victims being children between the age of 5 and 9.
Frightening and painful, dog bites are part of the reason that many people fear dogs. Some people avoid keeping certain breeds as pets due to high risk.
While no breed is naturally more likely to bite a person than any other breed, dog bites are a public health concern, and your local animal control agency should be informed if this happens to you.
If you or a loved one have been severely mauled, call for an ambulance, but if your injury is non-life-threatening, Family Urgent Care can provide quick and effective treatment.
Why Do Dogs Bite?
Many dog bites happen because a dog is afraid or feels threatened.
Like many animals, dogs have a “fight or flight” instinct that prevents them from fighting in dangerous situations that they may not survive. However, dogs can also be startled, provoked or may try to defend something valuable.
Dog bites are generally preventable, though poorly bred dogs can experience genetic issues that affect their behavior, including high levels of aggression.
Some experts estimate that a dog’s genetic makeup could account for as much as 70% of a dog’s behavior, with training able to positively affect most dogs, reducing their chance of biting any person.
4 Easy Steps To Take Immediately If A Dog Bites You
First of all, move to a safe area away from the dog. Next, observe your wound and see if the skin is open or not.
If the wound is bleeding profoundly and the pain is unbearable, call for help immediately or ask someone else to call the ambulance.
However, if the bleeding is under control, here are four actions you can take right away to prevent infection:
- Wash the wound with mild soap and warm water for almost 15 min to remove any dirt or germs in the wound.
- Press the wound by placing a clean cloth to stop the bleeding.
- You can also apply antibiotic ointment, which may decrease the risk of infection.
- Place a bulk dressing over it and wrap the wound properly.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, it’s important to contact a nearby healthcare provider. Or you can even contact Family Urgent Care right away.
Dog bites can be painful and scary, but the real danger is the high risk of infection, so don’t wait to get it checked out.
What If My Child Was Bitten By A Dog?
If your child was bitten by a dog, do not panic and feel scared.
The first priority is your child’s safety and well-being. Calmly reassure them while immediately cleaning the wound with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection.
Apply a clean bandage and seek medical care as soon as possible, even if the bite seems minor.
A healthcare provider will assess the wound, check for signs of infection, and determine if further treatment, such as a tetanus shot or rabies prevention, is needed.
Not to mention, teach your child to approach dogs calmly, avoid unfamiliar animals, and respect their boundaries, especially when dogs are eating, sleeping, or are unwell.
How Do You Know If A Dog Bite Is Serious Or Not?
A dog bite that has pierced your skin is dangerous as the bacteria can get into the body, causing an infection.
Below are the signs of a serious dog bite that needs an emergency care facility:
- Uncontrollable bleeding
- A deep wound, especially if you haven’t had a tetanus shot in the last 5 years
- A Level 4 attack includes one to four punctures, at least one of which is deeper than half the length of the dog’s teeth.
Call 911 if you see anyone with these symptoms without any delay.
What Happens After My Dog Bite Treatment?
After proper treatment, you need to rest, make sure the wound is healing, and watch for signs of infection.
In some situations, even mild wounds can get infected. Therefore, keep an eye on the following signs, even if you’ve received treatment:
- Fever
- Redness, swelling, or increased pain.
- Pus from the wound
- Difficulty moving the injured body part.
- Red streaks going up the arm
- Development of an abscess
Treating an infection for a dog bite may require a combination of antibiotics, additional wound dressing, and painkillers.
Your provider may even suggest a follow-up appointment to see if the wound is healing properly.
How Do I Stop This From Happening Again?
Preventing dog bites starts with understanding and respecting a dog’s boundaries.
Avoid approaching dogs when they are eating, drinking, sick, or injured, as they may feel threatened or defensive.
Also, pay attention to their behaviour. Some dogs may not be as friendly or receptive, especially nursing mothers or blind dogs.
If you’re a dog owner, proper socialization and training are essential to ensure they feel comfortable around people and other animals.
By giving dogs the space and respect they need, you can greatly reduce the risk of bites.
Can Urgent Care Help Treat A Dog Bite Wound?
If you have a non-life-threatening injury, urgent care is a great place to get quick help for dog bites.
The doctors will immediately provide first aid by cleaning the wound to prevent infection.
And then they decide if you need a tetanus shot or other treatments. If there’s any chance of rabies, they’ll guide you on the next steps to stay safe.
You may receive an antibiotic prescription to keep the bite from worsening.
Looking for a nearby urgent care to receive first aid for yourself or your loved one? You can visit Family Urgent Care right away.
FAQs
Do I always need a rabies shot after a dog bite?
Not necessarily! If the dog is healthy, fully vaccinated, and can be observed for 10 days, you may not need a rabies shot. However, if the dog is a stray, unvaccinated, or acting strangely, it’s better to be safe and get checked. Rabies is rare but deadly, so your doctor will decide if the shot is necessary based on the situation.
Should I see the doctor for a dog bite if the dog’s vaccines are up to date?
Yes, you should! Even if the dog is vaccinated, a bite can still lead to infections or other complications. If your skin is broken, a doctor can clean the wound properly, check for signs of infection, and make sure you’re up to date on your tetanus shot. It’s always better to get it checked out than to take a chance.
Should I worry about a minor dog bite?
Absolutely. Even a small bite can cause an infection if bacteria enter the wound. Clean it right away with soap and water, but don’t stop there! Let a doctor take a look to ensure it’s healing properly. A “minor” bite can turn serious if it’s not treated, so it’s better to play it safe!
