How to Heal a Dog Bite

Appropriate treatment of a dog bite is necessary to avoid infection. Approximately 1,000 people a day in the U.S. seek medical attention for dog bites. It is essential to know how to treat a dog bite and when to seek medical attention.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Medical Attention for Dog Bites

1. Remain as calm as possible. Allow someone nearby to assess the wound or, if no one is around, do so yourself.

2. Keep pressure on the wound if it is bleeding. If possible, keep the wound elevated to slow down the bleeding.

3. Clean the wound when the bleeding slows by placing it under running water if possible.

4. Call your physician immediately if: 1) you have been bitten on the hand, foot or head; 2) the bite is a deep or gaping gash; 3) you were bitten by a wild or stray animal; 4) you were bitten by an animal without its shots up-to-date; 5) you have not had a tetanus shot in five years; 6) you have a fever or other signs of infection; or 7) you have an immune-compromising illness that will make healing more difficult.

5. Caring for a severe dog bite may require stitches and antibiotics. Most of the time, a shallow wound is left open to heal in order to prevent more-serious infections.

6. Place antibiotic ointment and a bandage on the wound if it is not serious. Treat with antibiotic ointment twice daily and change bandages regularly. Continue this treatment until the wound heals.

Tips & Warnings

• Seek immediate medical attention for wounds with gaping holes, broken bones, multiple deep bites or severe head trauma.

References

• Center for Disease Control---Dog Bite
• American Association of Family Practice
• Treating Dog Bites

Resources

• Dog Bite Statistics

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