How to Treat Dog Bites

Animal bites are a common occurrence everywhere. Children are bitten more often than adults and most are bitten by dogs (85-90%). ^{[1] X Research Sources} The most common complication of an animal bite wound is a skin infection. Rarely causes serious injury or permanent disability. The biggest concern of animal bite wounds is rabies. ^{[2] X Research Source} Knowing how to disinfect and care for a dog bite wound, as well as when to see a doctor, will minimize the risk of associated complications.

Table of Contents

Small Bites Treatment

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Check for bites. Dog bites are mostly minor injuries that can be treated at home. If the bite just scratched the skin or the tooth mark forms a shallow tear, you can treat it at home. ^{[3] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

This is different from deep tissue wounds, open wounds, or crushed bones/joints. You must seek medical attention for these types of injuries, which are covered in more detail in Step Two.

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Wash the wound with soap and water. Take a few minutes to wash the bite with soap and water at the right temperature. ^{[4] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source} This helps clear the wound of bacteria from the wound or from the dog’s mouth.

You can use any soap, but antibacterial soap is the best choice.
Soap and water will sting, but it’s better to wash the wound thoroughly.

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Press firmly if the wound is bleeding. Use a clean towel or gauze to press firmly on the wound if it bleeds after rinsing. ^{[5] X Research Source} The bleeding will stop or slow down enough to cover the wound for a few minutes.

If the wound continues to bleed so much that you cannot bandage it after 15 minutes of holding it firmly, you should seek medical attention. ^{[6] X Research Sources}

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Apply antibiotic ointment. Antibiotic ointments such as Neosporin or Bacitracin can help prevent infection as the wound heals. ^{[7] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to source} Apply to wound according to package directions.

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Bandage. Immediately after applying antibiotic ointment, cover the wound appropriately. ^{[8] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to the source} Dress carefully to protect the wound but don’t be too tight as it can affect blood circulation or make you uncomfortable.

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Change the dressing as needed. You should change the bandage when you soil it, such as after a shower. Gently clean the wound, apply antibiotic ointment, and apply a fresh bandage.

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Update vaccination status. You are at risk of contracting tetanus if you are bitten by a dog. ^{[9] X Research Sources} Health professionals recommend getting a tetanus shot after a dog bite if you were last vaccinated 5 years ago. ^{[10] X Research Source}

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Keep an eye on the bite. Watch for signs of infection as the wound heals. If you think the wound is infected, see a doctor immediately. Here are some signs of an infected wound: ^{[11] X Research Source}^{[12] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source}

More pain
Swelling
The wound is red or hot
Fever
Fester

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Determine the dog’s rabies vaccination status if possible. You can get rabies from just a small bite. Those who are bitten by a dog need to find and determine if the dog that bit them has been vaccinated against rabies so that they don’t have to worry about this problem anymore. ^{[13] X Research Source}

If it is not possible to determine if the dog has been vaccinated—for example, it is a stray—you should observe the dog for 15 days (if possible) to confirm signs of rabies. You should also seek medical attention if your dog’s vaccination status cannot be determined.

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You need medical attention for other health complications. With just a small bite, you can still contract a number of related illnesses and require care. Here are some health complications: ^{[14] X Research Source}

Diabetes
Kidney disease
Cancer
HIV
Medicines that weaken the immune system, such as drugs that suppress the immune system.

Treatment of Serious Bites

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Check for bites. A serious bite is one with deep tooth marks and can tear tissue. ^{[15] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to Source} Depending on the dog’s bite force, the bite can damage bones, ligaments, joints such as pain when moving, inability to move the surrounding area around the wound. If you notice the following signs, you should seek medical attention instead of home treatment: ^{[16] X Trusted Source University of Rochester Medical Center Go to source}

Deep wounds see fat, muscle, and bone.
Serrated bite or distant tooth nodule.
The wound was bleeding profusely and could not be stopped after 15 minutes.
The wound is larger than 1-2 cm.
Wounds in the head or neck.

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Hold the wound tight. Before going to the doctor, hold the wound with a clean towel to stop the bleeding if possible. ^{[17] X Trusted Source Mayo Clinic Go to the source} Continue to hold the wound tightly until you get to the doctor.

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Go see a doctor. The medical professional will determine the best method of treatment such as stopping bleeding and suturing the wound. The doctor will clean the wound (with an antiseptic such as iodine) and perform minor surgery if necessary to remove dead tissue, damage, and infection that could interfere with the recovery of other tissues. ^{[18] X Trusted Source PubMed Central Go to Source}

Your doctor looks at your immunization record to determine if you need a tetanus shot.
If your doctor suspects the bite damaged the bone, you’ll need x-rays to determine the appropriate treatment. ^{[19] X Research Source}
Tell the doctor whether the dog has been vaccinated against rabies. If your doctor thinks you are at risk for rabies, they will vaccinate you. ^{[20] X Research Source}

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Take antibiotics as prescribed. If the wound is at risk of infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics. ^{[21] X Research Source}

The most commonly used antibiotic is amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin). Tablets are taken for a period of 3-5 days. The most common side effect is indigestion.

Advice

You need to train your dog properly to reduce the risk of being bitten by a dog.
You can refer to articles on how to prevent dog bites online.

Warning

If the wound starts to itch and the skin around it becomes swollen, see your doctor.
This article provides information regarding the treatment of dog bite wounds only and should not be taken as medical advice. See your doctor if you are unsure of the severity of your injury.
If the condition of the wound gets worse, it is still better to see a good doctor.
If you cannot determine if your dog has been vaccinated against rabies (from documentation whether your dog or someone else’s), you should seek medical attention. Rabies is curable if you get medical attention immediately after being bitten. You can’t wait until symptoms appear to see a doctor. ^{[23] X Research Sources}
Wounds to the hands, feet, or head require better medical attention because the skin in these organs is very thin and can affect many joints. ^{[24] X Research Source}

Steps

Small Bites Treatment

Treatment of Serious Bites

Advice

Warning

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