In the aftermath of a dog bite, you may feel frightened or disoriented. However, it is important to take care of your injury as soon as possible. There are a few things you should do right after the bite occurs.
After a dog bite, it is important to get away from the animal. Healthline says that once you are not near the dog, you can assess the severity of your injury. If an injury is not serious, you may sometimes be able to care for it at home. You should typically use soap and water to wash the bite. Sometimes a dog bite breaks the skin and in this situation, you may want to put some pressure on the bite so it bleeds a bit. This is because a bit of bleeding can help remove germs from the wound. Once you clean the wound, it is a good idea to cover it with a bandage.
Sometimes you may think that if a dog bite does not look serious, you do not need to worry about it. However, it is important to remember that dogs typically have bacteria in their mouths. These bacteria might cause an infection. Because of this, it is a good idea to keep an eye on the wound as it heals. You should usually look at it every day to make sure the bite spot does not get swollen or turn red. Additionally, the wound should not become tender. If you notice these developments, it is a good idea to go to the doctor.
Sometimes you may need to seek medical care immediately after the bite. You should generally go to the doctor if you can see muscle, tendons or bone. If the wound is very painful or will not stop bleeding, it is also a good idea to get treatment. Sometimes the dog that bit you may look sick or behave oddly. In this situation, it is important to seek medical attention.