Proper dog bite treatment for minor bites is a fairly straightforward process. Since all dog bites carry a risk of infection, cleaning the wound immediately greatly reduces this risk.
Although some dog breeds are considered more aggressive than others, almost any dog can attack if threatened. For severe bites, you should take the victim to a doctor immediately. Calling 911 is the best option in the event of a serious bite or maiming. However, if the bite is small, you may decide to treat the wound yourself.
here are nine dog bite treatment Tips for minor bites:
1. Gently wash the wound with soap and water. Betadine soap is the best.
2. Apply pressure to the wound with a clean washcloth or cloth to stop bleeding.
3. Apply an antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin to the puncture site, once bleeding has stopped, to help prevent infection.
4. Apply a sterile bandage to the wound.
5. Elevate the injured area to a level above the heart, if possible, to help reduce swelling.
6. Call your GP or take the bite victim to an urgent care center if you feel it is necessary.
7. Report the incident to local authorities, at their discretion. This can be the police or city animal control shelter.
8. Follow the doctor’s instructions to continue the treatment. This may include taking antibiotics and bandaging the wound daily. If a doctor has not been consulted, change the bandage and ointment twice a day until the wound heals.
9. Call your doctor’s office and make an appointment to have your wound checked if you suspect infection after attempting self-treatment.
Following these simple steps should reduce any complications as a result of the bite wound. My personal recommendation is to see your doctor if bleeding is involved.
In cases where you do not know the dog that has bitten you, and therefore cannot observe it to see if it gets sick, you should call the doctor because there is always a risk of rabies. Although contracting rabies from a pet is quite rare these days, due to government-required vaccinations, rabies is always a possibility that needs to be addressed.
Bottom line, use common sense when calling a doctor when the situation calls for it. Clean the wound, stop the bleeding, keep an antibacterial ointment and a clean bandage on the wound.