How to Treat a Dog Bite

Video Transcript

"You know many bite injuries occur across the United States every year from common household pets like dogs. Hi I'm Captain Joe Bruni and what I'm going to talk about is how to treat the common dog bite. Dogs can cause a great deal of tissue damage when they bite. The first step is to clean the area with soap and water, some type of disinfectant like alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to eliminate any germs or bacteria. If bleeding is occurring some type of pressure or pressure dressing maybe in order. Cleanly bandage the wound and monitor the wound and area for signs of secondary infection like swelling and redness. Ice supplied in twenty minute intervals, of twenty minutes on and twenty minutes off will also reduce the swelling as it occurs. Keep in mind the dog should be monitored for at least fifteen days after it has delivered it's bite for signs of rabies. Secondary infection could be common because of the amount of bacteria that can be delivered from a dog bite. So re-cleaning the wound and redressing the wound may be in order. I'm Captain Joe Bruni stay safe, and we will see you next time."