Animal bites are quite common, in the United States alone there are about 2 to 5 million cases each year. Children are bitten more often than adults, and most animal bites (85-90%) are caused by dogs. The most common complication of animal bites is skin infection. Although rare, animal bites can also cause serious injury and permanent disability. The most dangerous thing from animal bites is rabies. By knowing how to clean and treat a dog bite wound, as well as knowing when to visit the doctor for treatment, you can minimize the risk of complications that come with it.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Treating Minor Bites
Step 1. Examine the bite wound
Most dog bites can be treated at home. If the bite doesn't tear your dog's skin or teeth, it's only a minor scratch, you can treat it at home.
This case is different from a wound that tears, pierces deep into the tissue, or breaks a bone/joint. Always seek medical help to deal with such serious injuries, see the explanation in the second way
Step 2. Wash the bite wound thoroughly with soap and water
Wash the bite wound for a few minutes with plenty of soap and water that feels good on the skin. This will help clean the wound of any germs around it or germs that come from the dog's mouth.
- You can use any soap, but antibacterial soap is best if you have one at home.
- Soap and water may sting the bite wound, but you should still wash it thoroughly.
Step 3. Press the bleeding wound
Use a clean towel or gauze to apply pressure to the bite wound that is still bleeding after washing. The bleeding should stop or slow down until it can be bandaged within a few minutes.
If the bite continues to bleed so much that it can't be bandaged after 15 minutes of pressure, you should seek medical attention
Step 4. Apply an antibiotic ointment
Antibiotic creams such as neosporin or bacitracin can also help prevent infection during wound healing. Apply the cream to the wound surface as directed on the package.
Step 5. Put a bandage on the wound
Immediately after applying the antibiotic ointment, properly place the bandage on the wound. Apply a little pressure to help protect the wound, but don't apply so much pressure that it blocks blood circulation or becomes uncomfortable.
Step 6. Change the bandage as needed
You should change the dressing whenever it gets wet, such as after a shower. Gently wash the bite wound again, reapply the antibiotic cream, and apply a new bandage.
Step 7. Re-immunize
Tetanus is an infection that may result from a dog bite wound that tears the skin. Health professionals recommend a supportive tetanus immunization after being bitten by a dog if your last tetanus immunization was more than 5 years ago.
Step 8. Monitor the bite wound
Watch for other signs of infection while healing. If you suspect the bite wound is infected, see a doctor immediately. Signs of infection in a bite wound include:
- Pain that's getting worse
- Swelling
- The area around the wound is red or feels warm
- Fever
- pus-like discharge
Step 9. If possible, find out the rabies vaccination status of the biting dog
Rabies is another infection that may result from even a minor dog bite. Victims of dog bites often know the dog that bit them so they can confirm that the dog has had the rabies vaccine. In this case, you don't have to worry about the possibility of rabies.
However, if the dog's vaccination status is in doubt, such as if the biting is a stray dog, the dog should be monitored for 15 days (if possible) for signs of rabies. You should seek medical attention if you cannot confirm the vaccination status of the biting dog
Step 10. Seek medical attention for other health complications
Even if a dog bite wound is minor, certain health complications may require you to seek medical attention. These conditions include:
- Diabetes
- Liver disease
- Cancer
- HIV
- Medications that weaken the immune system, such as drugs to treat autoimmune disorders.
Method 2 of 2: Treating Severe Bite Wounds
Step 1. Examine the bite wound
Severe bite wounds include 1 or more deep stab wounds from the dog's teeth tearing or not tearing the punctured tissue. As a result of jaw pressure in some large breeds, you may also show signs of damage to the bones, ligaments, and joints, such as pain with movement or an inability to move parts around the wound. Other signs that a bite wound requires medical attention and not just home care include:
- If the wound is deep enough to expose a layer of fat, muscle, or bone
- If the edges of the wound are jagged or wide enough
- If blood is gushing from the bite wound or if the bleeding cannot be stopped after 15 minutes of pressure
- If the wound size is more than 1 or 2 cm
- If the injured body part is the head or neck
Step 2. Apply pressure to the wound
Before going to the doctor, use a clean towel to apply pressure to the wound and slow the bleeding as much as possible. Keep applying pressure to the wound until you get medical help.
Step 3. Visit a doctor
The healthcare professional will determine the best course of action for a serious bite wound, including how to stop the bleeding and whether the wound needs stitches. The doctor will wash the wound clean (with surgical disinfectant such as iodine) and perform the necessary debridement of the wound. Debridement is the removal of dead, damaged, or infected tissue that has the potential to interfere with the restoration of surrounding healthy tissue.
- The doctor will also check your vaccination history and recommend a supportive tetanus immunization if needed.
- If your doctor suspects bone damage from the bite wound, you'll likely receive an X-ray to determine the appropriate course of treatment.
- Tell your doctor if you know the vaccination status of the dog that bit you. If your doctor believes you are at risk for rabies, you will be given several shots of the rabies vaccine.
Step 4. Take the prescribed antibiotics
If you present with signs of infection, or your doctor determines that you are at high risk for infection from a bite wound, you will likely be prescribed antibiotics.
The most commonly prescribed antibiotic is amoxicillin-clavulanate (Co-Amoxiclav). These tablets are generally prescribed for 3 to 5 days. The most common side effect is gastrointestinal problems
Step 5. Change your bandage as recommended
The doctor will also recommend the frequency of changing the wound dressing after treatment. You may be advised to change the bandage once or twice a day.
Tips
- Train your dog properly to reduce the risk of him biting.
- For the best information on how to prevent dog bites, read How to Make a Dog Stop Biting
Warning
- If the bite is itchy, or the skin around it begins to swell, see a doctor immediately.
- If the wound gets worse, you should see a doctor.
- Although it provides information about dog bite wounds, this article is not medical advice. Always see a doctor if you have any doubts about the severity of the bite.
- If you can't confirm the status of your dog's rabies vaccination (either through your records or that of the dog's owner), you should always seek medical attention. If you seek medical attention immediately, the rabies infection can still be treated after you are bitten. Don't wait for symptoms to appear.
- Bites on the hands, feet, or head are more likely to require medical attention because of the thin layer of skin and the large number of joints that may be damaged by the bite.
