Things To Do If A Dog Bites Or Scratches You

Dog bites can inflict pain and injury, but they can also transfer infectious diseases. A dog bite affects about one out of every five individuals in the world. Any dog can bite, especially when afraid, worried, eating, playing, or guarding toys or pups.

So keep in mind that even if you have a well-trained pet dog, if they are sick or going through emotional trauma, want to be left alone, they can scratch or bite you.

Any dog can bite, but the majority of dog bites are avoidable, and there are numerous things you can do to help prevent them at home and in your community.

Understand the dangers

Children and senior citizens are more likely to be bitten by dogs, and the injuries they get are often more severe. The majority of dog bites in young children occur in the course of everyday activities and while engaging with known canines.

The presence of multiple dogs at home increases the chances of scratches and bites. For example, research shows that people who live with two or more dogs at home are more likely to be bitten at some point in their life. Another study showed that men are more likely than women to be bitten by a dog as adults.

Read More: 10 Common Dog Behavior Problems You Shouldn’t Ignore

Risk Associated with dog scratched and bits

• Excessive bleeding
• Infections, such as Capnocytophaga bacteria
• Tetanus, which is caused by Clostridium tetani bacteria
• Rabies, a serious viral infection
• Sepsis is a life-threatening emergency caused by the spread of infection to vital organs

What steps to take if bitten or scratched by a dog

Even though the wound does not appear to be deep or dangerous, germs can be transferred by dog bites and scratches.

For small scratches:

• Carefully clean the scratched area with soap and water. Do not scrub as this can bruise the tissues.
• Use an antibiotic cream on the scratched area.
• Cover the area with a clean bandage.
• Watch the signs of infection – fever, pain, and swelling

For Severe Scratches:

• If the bite is bleeding, apply pressure on the area with a clean cloth or towel. Call for medical help.
• Wash the wound with soap and water.
• Call your local emergency medical services right away if you can’t stop the bleeding or if you’re feeling dizzy or weak.

Go to a clinic, if:

• It’s a significant or deep wound (uncontrolled bleeding, extreme pain, loss of function)
• If the wound gets red, painful, or swollen, or if you develop a fever, seek medical attention immediately.
• If you’re not sure if the dog has been vaccinated against rabies, ask the owner.

Get a tetanus shot if you haven’t got any in the last five years. It is always better to notify your doctor about a dog bite or scratch.

Your doctor may confer with your state or local health agency to determine if you require rabies postexposure prophylactic therapy (PEP).

Conclusion

You must report the biting incident to your local animal control agency or police department. Suppose a stray dog scratches or bites you; reporting the incident becomes a must.

And if a pet dog bites you, see if the dog looks ill or acts oddly, contact the owner, and verify that the animal is vaccinated against rabies or not.