What To Do If You’ve Been Bit By A Dog

Dogs may be a man’s best friend, but according to statistics, dog bites account for up to 90% of all animal bites. Each year, 4.5 million injury cases involve dog bites, and more than 27,000 dog bite cases require reconstructive surgery. In other words, dog bites are something that needs to be taken seriously. Here’s what you need to know if you or a family member gets bitten by a dog.

Dog Bite Treatment

First things first, you will need to get to a safe place away from the dog to avoid further attacks and assess the damage. Even minor dog bites can be traumatizing, but more severe dog bites can lead to infections and pose a serious health threat. Clean and treat the wound right away, and keep it elevated. Though wound cleaning decreases the risk of infections, you’ll want to seek medical attention as soon as possible to check if you need a rabies vaccine. Even if there is no visible skin damage, watch for signs of infection, such as pain, redness, or swelling. {Read More}