Treatment For Dog Bite

Playing with your dog, and somehow, got bitten Or alternatively, you could be walking down a street and an unknown mutt attack without warning.

It's very important to see a doctor, especially if an unfamiliar dog bit you, the bite is deep, you can't stop the bleeding, or there are any signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth, pus). Dog bites can cause infections that need to be treated with antibiotics.

There are steps you need to take right away to treat the wound and reduce the risk of infection. You’ll need professional medical attention the same day.

Treatment For Dog Bite:

• Press on the wound gently to cause some bleeding to help flush out as much bacteria as possible.

• Place a clean towel over the injury to stop any bleeding.

• Try to keep the injured area elevated.

• Wash the bite carefully with soap and clean water.

• Apply a sterile bandage to the wound.

• Apply antibiotic ointment to the injury every day to prevent infection.

• Change the bandage several times a day once your doctor has examined the wound.

• Watch for signs of infection, including redness, swelling, increased pain and fever(if you notice these signs visit your doctor immediately).

When visit the doctor, your doctor will want to know more about the dog that bit you and how it happened. He or she will also likely clean the wound again, apply antibiotic ointment and prescribe antibiotics, such as Augmentin, if there’s an infection concern.

Your doctor may also give you a booster shot if your tetanus vaccine is out-of-date.

Depending on the wound, your doctor may also recommend stitches. Generally, though, dog wounds are left open to heal unless they are on the face or if they could leave particularly severe scars if left unsutured.

Bacteria from bites raises infection risk

Roughly 50 percent of dog bites introduce bacteria, including staphylococcus, streptococcus and pasteurella, as well as capnocytophaga.

Unvaccinated and feral dogs can also potentially carry — and transfer — rabies, so your doctor will want to know details about the dog that bit you.

Sources; 

https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/dog-bites

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/if-a-dog-bites-you-do-these-7-things-now/