Dogs are lovely creatures but when they get aggressive they can unleash their canine nature which 70% of the time is a sore sight.
We may not be able to control when our dogs go off leash but we can be able to do something if they bite us or any other person. So here this guide will show you everything you need to know about dog bites and the treatment that will prevent you from contracting infections.
Table of Content
What Should You Do Immediately After A Dog Bite?
Dog bites can be really painful that at the point of occurrence you may not know what to do. However, immediately after you’re bitten by a dog, here are some of the steps you have to take towards treatment;
- Carefully wash the bite area.
- Use a clean cloth or cotton wool to slow the bleeding.
- Apply an antibiotic cream over it to fight against any possible infection.
- Wrap the bite area in a sterile bandage until you see a doctor.
- After examination, ensure you change the bandage several times a day.
- The doctor will recommend you to receive an anti-rabies vaccine on the 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28th day of a dog bite if you know the dog’s status but if you don’t, you may take the vaccine up to the 60th and 90th day after the dog bite.
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Should I Be Worried About A Small Dog Bite?
Yes, a scratch from a dog bite is enough to be worried sick. It’s advisable you seek emergency medical attention for a dog bite especially if the wound is deep, red, swollen, or painful and you’re having a fever.
Can I Self Treat A Dog Bite?
Yes, you can treat yourself if a dog bites you. All you have to do is to use mild soap and warm, running water to rinse the bite area for 3 to 5 minutes. Then apply an antibacterial ointment to the wound to reduce the risk of infection.
Which Ointment Is Best For A Dog Bite?
The immediate treatment for dog bites after washing the sound and stopping bleeding is to apply an ointment preferably an antibiotic. The best ointment for a dog bite is Bacitracin and Neosporin. Apply after sterilizing your hands with alcohol.
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How Do I Know If My Dog Bite Is Infected?
Some dog bites are not infected so treatment may be mild depending on the extent of the bite. However, you will be able to spot if a dog bite is infected if it shows the following signs of infection
- Pain
- Redness
- Swelling
- Inflammation.
- Pus or fluid oozing
If the dog bite shows any of the signs for more than 24 hours, you should seek immediate medical treatment.
Do I Need A TT Injection For Dog Bite?
TT Injection is only required if you have not taken the Tetanus injection within the last 6 months.. If you have, you do not need a TT injection treatment for a dog bite.
How Would You Know If The Dog That Bit Me Has Rabies?
If a dog bites you and you start showing the following symptoms, then you know they have rabies and as such requires immediate treatment;
- Flu
- Fever
- Prickling
- Weakness
- Headache.
- Discomfort
- Itching sensation at the site of the bite.
If left untreated, the symptoms may escalate to cerebral dysfunction, anxiety, confusion, and agitation.
What Are The Possible Complications From A Dog Bite?
The reason why a dog bite requires immediate treatment is that dog bites can cause possible complications such as;
- Death.
- Rabies.
- Tetanus.
- Scarring.
- Infection.
- Broken bones.
- Nerve and muscle damage.
Should I Go To Hospital After A Dog Bite?
Yes, you should seek medical attention within 24 hours after you are bitten by a dog. This is required especially if the dog bite has broken through your skin.
Do All Dog Bite Need Antibiotics?
Not all B require antibiotic treatment. However, if the dog bite affected the tendons bones, or joints which results in devitalized tissues it will require treatment using antibiotics, especially prophylaxis.
Why Do You Have To Wait 10 Days After A Dog Bite?
One of the reasons why you have to wait 10 days after a dog bite is to prevent the spread of rabies which was transmitted by the dog.
Also Read: How Often Should I Take My Dog To The Vet?
Do All Dog Bites Lead To Rabies?
No, not all dog bites lead to rabies however 99% of dog bite cases show that rabies was transmitted to the human being.
Conclusion
Dog bites are one of the leading causes of rabies therefore it is advisable that immediately after you are bitten by a dog you should resort to medical treatment. You can use the natural remedy we have stated above to stop the bleeding until you get to a medical care center.
References
- https://www.healthline.com/ – How to Treat a Dog Bite
