What Should You Do If You Are Bitten by a Dog? First Aid Methods

What Should You Do If You Are Bitten by a Dog? First Aid Methods

As more households raise dogs as pets, accidents involving dog bites occur more often than you might expect.

Even a normally gentle pet dog may bite someone momentarily when startled or excited.

Most bites result in only minor wounds, but proper care is important because infection or inflammation may develop at the bite site.

Some people leave the wound untreated, thinking, “It’s a dog raised at home, so it should be fine,” but depending on the wound’s depth and condition, medical treatment may be necessary.

In this article, we will explain in simple terms the proper first aid steps to take after being bitten by a dog and when you should visit a hospital.

Wash the wound under running water first

If you are bitten by a dog, the first thing you should do is clean the wound thoroughly.

A dog’s mouth contains various bacteria, so even a small wound can become infected.

It is important to wash the wound thoroughly with running water and soap.

In general, washing the wound under running water for at least 5–10 minutes can help reduce bacteria on the surface.

When washing the wound, avoid scrubbing too hard, as this may cause additional tissue damage. Clean it gently instead.

Apply pressure to stop the bleeding

Dog teeth are often sharp like pointed teeth, so they may cause small puncture wounds.

If the wound is bleeding, press it with clean gauze or a towel to stop the bleeding.

For most minor wounds, applying pressure for about 5–15 minutes will stop the bleeding.

However, if blood continues to flow or the bleeding does not stop despite applying pressure, you should seek medical attention.

The fingertips and areas around the nails, in particular, contain many blood vessels and may bleed for longer than expected.

How should the wound be disinfected?

After washing the wound, you may use a disinfectant.

Povidone-iodine or chlorhexidine-based disinfectants may be used. After disinfecting the wound, protect it with a clean bandage or gauze.

However, repeated use of alcohol can cause pain and interfere with tissue recovery, so excessive use should be avoided.

When medical attention is necessary

You should visit a medical institution in the following situations.

• The wound is deeply open.

• The bleeding does not stop even after applying pressure for more than 15 minutes.

• You were bitten on the hand, face, or a joint.

• Swelling and pain are worsening rapidly.

• Pus develops or the area feels warm.

• You have a weakened immune system or diabetes.

In particular, the hand requires special attention because tendons and joints are close to the surface, allowing an infection to spread deeply even from a small wound.

Should you be concerned about rabies and tetanus?

In Korea, the risk of rabies is very low when the dog has received its routine vaccinations and lives indoors.

However, if you are bitten by a stray dog or an animal whose vaccination status is unknown, you must consult a medical professional.

Tetanus vaccination is also important.

If you have not received a tetanus vaccination within the past 10 years or are unsure of your vaccination status, it is advisable to have it checked at a hospital.

Monitor the wound for several days after the bite

Even if the wound initially appears insignificant, symptoms of infection may develop after a day or two.

You should visit a hospital if any of the following symptoms occur.

• Redness spreads around the wound.

• Swelling gradually worsens.

• Pain increases.

• Fluid or pus drains from the wound.

• A fever develops.

Even if the wound appears small, an infection can progress in deeper tissue, so it is important to monitor the condition for several days.

If you are bitten by a dog, the most important steps are to stay calm, clean the wound thoroughly, and stop the bleeding.

Most minor wounds recover without major problems with appropriate first aid alone, but you should seek medical attention if the wound is deep or if pain and swelling worsen.

The fingers and areas around the hand have a relatively high risk of infection, so even small wounds should be monitored carefully.

After being bitten by a pet dog, consistently check the wound for several days. If unusual symptoms appear, promptly visiting a medical institution is the safest course of action.