If a dog bites you, you'll likely experience pain, swelling, redness, and bleeding, with potential for deep punctures or tears, but the biggest risk is infection (like tetanus or rabies) from bacteria, requiring immediate washing, controlling bleeding, and seeing a doctor within hours for cleaning, antibiotics, and checking vaccination status to prevent serious complications.
Seek prompt medical care if: The wound is a deep puncture or you're not sure how serious it is. The skin is badly torn, crushed or bleeding severely. First apply pressure with a bandage or clean cloth to stop the bleeding.
Treatment for animal and human bites
A dog bite occurs when a dog's teeth break the skin. In most cases, the bite is not deep and can be treated with basic first aid. However, severe bites can damage the skin, muscles, tendons, nerves, and bones. In some cases, the dog may have rabies, a viral disease that can be fatal if not treated promptly.
For a dog teeth scratch, clean the area gently with mild soap and water rather than hydrogen peroxide, which can delay healing. Apply an antibiotic ointment if available and keep the wound covered with a clean bandage. Monitor for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, warmth, or pus.
A tetanus shot may be required if you have not had one within 10 years; if you are not sure when you had your last tetanus shot, and you've been bitten, you should get one within 72 hours after your injury. If bitten, but the bleeding is minor, cleanse and treat the wound as you would a minor wound.
Do I need a rabies vaccine after a dog scratch? Yes, if the dog is unvaccinated or its status is unknown.
Redness and swelling around the bite area: This is a common sign of infection and may indicate inflammation and the body's response to bacteria in the wound. Pain and tenderness: If the bite wound is tender or painful to the touch, it may be a sign of infection or inflammation.
While it is unlikely to get rabies from a vaccinated dog, there is still a slight risk. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated pets that bite a person must be quarantined for 10 days.
At first, there's a tingling, prickling, or itching feeling around the bite area. A person also might have flu-like symptoms such as a fever, headache, muscle aches, loss of appetite, nausea, and tiredness. After a few days, neurological symptoms develop, including: irritability or aggressiveness.
Research suggests that dogs with a guilty look do not show evidence that they are aware of having engaged in misbehavior. One would not experience guilt if one were unaware that a crime had been committed.
10 Dog Breed Most Likely to Bite (And What You Should Know)
What to do after animal or human bites
In most cases, you do not have to get rid of your dog after a single biting incident. However, the circumstances of the bite and your local laws will play a significant role in determining the outcome. Many regions have specific regulations regarding dangerous dogs and repeated bite incidents.
Can a Dog That Bites Ever Be Trusted Again? With enough patience and care, many dogs can learn how to manage their stress levels more effectively. As you build better communication skills with your dog, you'll also start to rebuild your trust with them.
For shallow bites from a household pet that is immunized and in good health: Wash the wound with soap and water under pressure from a faucet for at least 5 minutes. Don't scrub as this may bruise the tissue. Apply an antiseptic lotion or cream.
The dog should not encounter other animals or people other than the owner or caretaker for 10-days. What is this all about? Simply put it is the State rabies law and as long as the local Animal Inspector can confirm the biting dog is healthy after 10-days, the person or other animal bit has no risk of rabies.
Indoor-only pets can get rabies.
While indoor-only pets don't have contact with wild animals like outdoor pets do, they can still come into contact with rabid animals if one enters the home. Bats — the most common rabid animal in the United States – enter homes and can bite or scratch pets.
Even if you have been bitten a few days, weeks or months ago, it is never too late to start. The rabies virus can incubate for several years before it causes symptoms. If you wait until you get symptoms, it will be too late – there is no treatment for established rabies … rabies is fatal.
A dog bite can cause meningitis if bacteria from the dog's mouth enter the body and spread to the brain and spinal cord.
It can be just milliseconds between a warning and a bite, but dogs rarely bite without giving some type of warning beforehand.
Here's a list of things not to do after a dog attack.
Post-exposure prophylaxis recommendations
A dose of human rabies immune globulin (HRIG) Rabies vaccine given at the time of the first medical visit, and a dose of vaccine given again on days 3, 7, and 14 after the first dose.
If a dog bites you, take these steps right away:
A bite from a dog increases the risk that tetanus bacteria can enter your body. If you don't get a vaccination and you develop tetanus, symptoms include: Muscle spasms, especially in the stomach. Difficulty swallowing.