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.

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.