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I've Been Bitten by a Dog. What Should I Do?
Dog bites are frightening and painful — but they’re not all that uncommon. In fact, about 4.7 million Americans are bitten by dogs every year, and if you’re uncertain about what to do next, you’re not alone.
Acting quickly and knowing how to handle the situation can help you minimize your risk of infection and other complications. Our team at Memorial Springs ER offers emergency care for acute injuries like dog bites, and here’s what you need to know if you get bitten by a dog.
What to do immediately after a dog bite
The first thing to do after being bitten is to remove yourself from harm’s way. If the dog is still aggressive, make sure you’re out of its reach before doing anything else.
Once you’re in a safe location, get the name and contact information of the dog’s owner, if possible. Then, take a look at the bite. Dog bites can range from superficial scratches to deep puncture wounds, and the severity of the bite dictates your next steps.
Use a clean cloth or gauze and apply gentle pressure to stop any bleeding. Next, rinse the wound in warm water for several minutes to help remove debris or bacteria that could cause infection.
Very minor bites, like superficial scratches and shallow cuts with minimal bleeding, may only require basic cleaning and bandaging. Use soap or an antiseptic solution to wash the wound, then cover it with a sterile bandage. Monitor it closely over the next few days for any signs of infection.
Moderate bites are deeper and often bleed more heavily. Severe bites can include torn skin, deep punctures, and injuries that damage underlying tissues, like muscles or tendons.
Any dog bite that’s deeper than a shallow cut necessitates professional medical care to ensure proper cleaning and closure. And even if the bite is minor, you should be aware of other risk factors. For example, if the dog is unknown, unvaccinated, or behaving strangely, you should seek medical care to rule out the risk of rabies or other infections.
When to seek medical care for a dog bite
Seeking professional care is often the safest choice when it comes to dog bites, because even minor bites can lead to complications like infection. Go to the doctor for moderate-to-severe dog bites, or if you have any concerns about your injury, regardless of its severity.
At Memorial Springs ER, we offer 24/7 emergency care for dog bites in Spring, Texas. We start with a thorough evaluation to assess the severity of the bite. Then, we recommend treatment, which can include:
- Cleaning the wound to reduce your risk of infection
- Sutures or stitches for deeper wounds
- Antibiotics if there’s a risk of infection
- A tetanus booster if your vaccination is out of date
- Rabies evaluation and vaccination, if needed
Our goal is to manage your immediate pain and make sure your injury heals properly while minimizing potential complications. So if you’ve been bitten by a dog, don’t wait to seek medical attention.
Memorial Springs ER is equipped to help you recover safely and quickly. Book an appointment online now, or call us at 346-683-2057 to let us know you’re on your way.