One of the most common pets to have are dogs. We teach them and train them while they grow, and they become a part of the family. Although it isn't likely, if ever you find yourself bitten by a dog, this is what you have to do.

What to do

Dog bites can actually happen for a lot of reasons. From playing with your puppy during the teething stage to maybe even getting attacked by a dog while walking down the street. This is what you should do.

Caring for a dog bite is about keeping bacteria from causing an infection.

For a scrape or gash:

1. Clean the wound with running water.

2. Clean with hydrogen peroxide or isopropyl alcohol.

3. Apply an "over the counter" antibiotic and cover with a bandage.

Puncture wounds:

1. Let the wound bleed for 5 minutes (unless you have lost a lot of blood or the wound is on your head or neck - in which case call for emergency help).

2. Try and stop the bleeding with direct pressure (if it doesn't stop call for emergency help).

3. If the bleeding stops, cleanse the wound under running water with mild soap for 5 minutes.

4. Do not use rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, iodine, or Mercurochrome for puncture wounds. These can slow healing. Puncture wounds don't normally need a bandage, but if you would prefer too, be sure to use a clean bandage.

Your doctor

Roughly 50 percent of dog bites introduce bacteria. Your doctor will want to know details about the dog that bit you (the dog's vaccinations) and how it happened.

If your puppy bites you

When they are little, puppies bite, which is completely normal. The puppy doesn't bite you because it hates you, it is because it feels something soft. Just remain calm. The less you react to it, the less your puppy will attach to it. While the puppy is growing, just make sure to correct him/her with a pinch on the scruff of the neck just before he/she decides to do it. It will eventually teach the pup to stop.

If someone else’s dog bites you


Make sure to share names and contact details so you get proof of rabies vaccinations from them. Check with the dog’s veterinarian to make sure the rabies vaccine is up to date. Animal control and the police should be notified of the incident to ensure that the owner of the dog takes the steps to prevent their dog from biting someone again. You can click here to read about why dogs bite.

An unknown dog

If you are bitten by an unknown dog, you should not try to stop, catch or hold the animal. Contact animal control as soon as possible so they can try and capture the dog. Make sure to call for emergency help so you can begin rabies vaccinations straight away.

Have you ever been bitten by a dog?

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