Although dogs are our closest friends, they are still animals, and they have the potential to bite. It can happen when you’re playing with your dog and its sharp canine teeth bite and scratch. Or, an unknown dog could suddenly attack you while walking down the street. Do you want to know what to do if a dog bites you? In this article, I will share a complete guide for what to do if a dog bites you.

 According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in five of those bites results in a wound that needs medical attention. Additionally, children are more vulnerable to dog bite injuries than adults.

What to do if a dog bites you?

We highly recommend visiting a doctor immediately after a dog bite, preferably within eight hours. Waiting longer increases your risk of infection. Your disease risk will increase if you have diabetes or immune system issues.

I will share some steps you can follow immediately if a dog bites you.

Clean the wound.

First, you must wash the wound after a dog bite. Run warm tap water over the wound for about five to ten minutes. Another important thing is you need to use mild soap while washing the wound.

Stop the bleeding

Loss of too much blood could be harmful. So, you must stop or slow down the bleeding to avoid more damage. Use a clean cloth to stop the bleeding.

Use an antibiotic cream.

Antibiotic cream could be beneficial in this situation. If you have an over-the-counter antibiotic cream with you, use it. This will provide a protected shield against harmful infection.

Cover the wound

After applying the antibiotic cream, you need to wrap the wound. For this, you should use a sterile bandage to cover the damage.

Make an appointment with your doctor.

This is the most critical step; as mentioned, you must see your doctor. Visiting your doctor and continuing to bandage the wound is highly recommended.

Change the bandage frequently.

Once your doctor has evaluated the wound, you should change the bandage daily. It will lessen the risk of spreading the infection.

Watch for the signs of infection.

It would help if you watched for the symptoms of infection, such as: 

• Swelling, 
• Fever,
• Increasing discomfort, and 
• Redness.

I hope you’ll know what to do if a dog bites you. Above mentioned are the essential steps you need to follow to avoid infection.

Some home remedies for dog bite.

If a dog bites you, wash the bite thoroughly, allow it to bleed, and visit a doctor immediately (within 6 to 8 hours of the edge). If an unidentified dog bit you or your dog’s rabies vaccinations are out-of-date, you must get rabies and tetanus shots very away.

Try any of these home remedies to relieve inflammation and discomfort if your doctor permits, but DO NOT replace appropriate medical care with them.

Use of Plantain Leaves

For herbal therapy, plantain leaves are frequently used as an ingredient. They are loaded with natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory capabilities. Apply this homemade medication for the treatment of dog bites.

Collect the fresh plantain leaf crushed with a mortar and pestle. Now, combine the plantain leaves with water and bentonite clay. Apply the mixture to the dog bite and let it sit for a few hours. Reapply until the wound has healed.

Use of Neem.

The healing properties of neem are well known. It has antibacterial qualities, which makes it a perfect component for a home treatment for dog bites.

Neem essential oil can be used by mixing ten drops with two tablespoons of aloe vera or coconut oil. Additionally, neem leaves can be crushed and used with aloe vera. Apply this paste and leave it overnight. Aloe vera will calm the wound, even though you can use any carrier oil.

How soon do I need tetanus shots after a dog bite?

A tetanus shot is essential for dog bites. You may need one if it has been more than ten years since your previous tetanus vaccination. If you have been bitten and are unsure of your last tetanus injection, you should obtain one within 72 hours. If you’ve been bitten, but the bleeding isn’t severe, treat it like a small wound by cleaning it up.

What happens if a dog that has been vaccinated bites you? 

In that case, you won’t contract rabies, but a dog’s mouth is extremely filthy. The primary concern is infection. You need to visit your doctor and do what the doctor says.

If a vaccinated dog bites you, there is no need to get vaccinated against rabies. If not, a suitable post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) should be taken. 

What to do if you are bitten by your dog and the skin is broken?

After washing the wound, you should immediately seek medical assistance if the bite has broken the skin. Be sure to seek care before infection symptoms show. The staff at your neighbourhood walk-in centre, minor injuries unit, and GP office can treat little bites.

Do I need a tetanus shot? My dog bit me and drew blood.   

First, you need to learn the bite site. Apply pressure on the bite to stop bleeding. Apply an antibiotic ointment. Use a sterile bandage to cover the area.

Then consult a doctor immediately if you’ve been bitten and the skin has broken to prevent contracting tetanus. Tetanus is a dangerous bacterial illness that causes the blood to release toxins and is potentially lethal. Your medical expert may advise a tetanus booster shot.

What is the minor dog bite treatment?

Minor dog bite treat is:

• You need to use soap and water to clean the bite site. 
• Apply pressure to the bite if it is bleeding with sterile gauze or a clean cloth.
• Apply an antibiotic ointment if the bleeding has ceased. 
• Use a sterile cloth or a bandage to cover the area.

What to do if a dog bites you but doesn’t break the skin     

Even if the skin isn’t damaged, it’s a good idea to clean the wound immediately by pouring warm tap water over it for a few minutes. 

Take out any particles from the bite area, including: 

• Teeth
• Hair, and 
• dirt

If the wound isn’t already bleeding, gently squeeze it to make it start to flow a little.

What happens if a dog bites and you don’t get a tetanus vaccine?

So, if you don’t get a tetanus shot after a dog bite, the possibility of contracting tetanus bacteria from a dog bite rises. If you don’t get vaccinated and have tetanus, you could experience the following symptoms: 

• Spasms of the muscles, particularly in the stomach. 
• Having trouble swallowing.

Bottom lines     

Be careful when you are going to decide to adopt a dog. Pick a dog with a cheerful disposition if you’re looking for a family companion. If you don’t know any of them, stay away from them. Never let small children alone with a dog, especially one they don’t know. This article proves helpful for you to find out all the answers regarding what to do if a dog bites you. We highly recommend visiting a doctor immediately after a dog bite, preferably within eight hours. Waiting longer increases your risk of infection.