Do not take a dog bite lightly even if your dog is trained not biting people. There may be certain cases when dogs feel threatened and bite for their own protection. In that case, what to do after the dog bite.
Steps for Dog Bite Treatment at Home
via:healthline
First check whether the skin is broken or not, is it bleeding? In either case, one must follow a few precaution techniques to prevent bacterial infection. Read below to know what the next step is.
When the Skin is Broken
- If the outer layer of skin is peeled off after a bite, immediately do these 5 things
- Wash the wound with clean and warm water. Do it gently with an unscented soap
- Put a small pressure on the wound to flush out all the toxins. You may see more bleeding but that’s okay, don’t get panic.
- Cover the wound with a clean cloth to help stop bleeding
- Apply an antibiotic lotion as soon the blood stops
- Put a clean bandage to prevent the wound from getting worse
If there is still bleeding after some time, change the bandage immediately and visit a doctor.
When the skin is not broken
In case the dog bite is not serious, simply wash the wound with soap and warm water. Apply the lotion to prevent bacterial infection.
This is not it! A dog bite is very dangerous and can lead to sepsis or even heart infection. So, look for the symptoms mentioned below to check if the wound got worse.
When Does Dog Bite Becomes Worse?
via:clevelandclinichealth
- If an injury causes irritation
- You see a swelling on the infected area
- Bleeding becomes unstoppable
- It hurts a lot
- Feel a warm sensation on touching
- Bones or muscles are visible underneath the wound
- Pus comes out from the injury
- Difficulty moving limbs
You may not these symptoms immediately so the risk is not gone. Keep an eye for 14 days to see any change in the injured area. Even if you don’t, visit a doctor and get the dog bite treatment done.
If the dog that bit you has any infection or disease, then it’s necessary to get the tetanus and rabies shot for preventing complications. Ignoring these preventions can lead to death so don’t take a dog bite lightly.
Ask the dog owner for its health status and then consult a doctor.
What Not to Do After Dog Bites?
via:hindustannewshub
Many myths about dog bite treatment surrounding taking bath can make it worse. If you skip a bath then the chances of complications are more. Likewise, there are more things to avoid in this condition.
- Applying cow dung as a home remedy for a dog bites, there’s no proof that such a remedy works
- Rubbing salt or turmeric on the wound
- Covering tightly with cloth or bandage
- Touching with bare hands
These practices won’t treat but instead prevent the healing of wounds. So, don’t be a doctor rather consult a doctor immediately after following the prevention techniques mentioned above.