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What should you do after a dog bite?

On Behalf of | Feb 27, 2019 | Dog Bites |

If you find yourself in a situation in Nevada where you suffer a dog bite, it can be very scary. You may not be thinking clearly due to being afraid or upset. However, how you react after the incident can save you a lot of pain and trouble in the future.

According to Healthline, the first thing you want to do is to get away from the dog. You need to ensure the animal cannot come back and attack you again. This may mean leaving the area. You should then focus on treating your wounds. Most dog bites are minor and you can apply basic first aid. This means washing the wound and applying a sterile dressing.

However, if your wound is more severe, you may need to seek medical attention. Signs you should see a doctor include bleeding that won’t stop and missing skin or deep cuts. Even if you do not see a doctor, the biggest risk with a dog bite is infection, which occurs later. Pay attention for signs, such as redness, swelling and a fever. Also, an infected wound may be warm to the touch. You also need medical care if the wound is getting worse or not getting better. Finally, if you have not had a recent tetanus shot, you should see a medical professional.

Once you have taken care of yourself, you need to check into the dog. In most cases, a bite is from a dog that has received vaccines. However, you should get verification of the animal’s vaccination history, specifically its rabies vaccines.

A dog bite can be very traumatizing for anyone. You should always seek medical care if you have any issues, including mental health issues, even if physically you are fine. This information is for education and is not legal advice.