What To Do If Bitten By A Dog
Dog bites happen, with the level of injury ranging from mild or faint scratches to more severe damage. Infection can even result from a dog bite, depending on the situation. It is important to know the appropriate measures to take immediately after a dog bite, keeping in mind all contributing factors to the event. This guide will help you navigate the ins and outs of dog bite management and know what to do if that occurs.
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
Most dog bites can be emotionally distressful, but keeping calm should be the top priority. Panicking can worsen the situation, and the dog could get hurt as well. Stay calm and assess the situation. Most importantly, if the dog is nearby, move to a different location as slowly as possible.
Treat the Injury Immediately
Dogs of all kinds can introduce bacteria through a bite, so great care should be taken when treating the injury to avoid infections. Wash the affected area: Just like with any injury, the first thing you need to do is wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and water at once. That will prevent infection through saliva, dirt, and bacteria. Apply pressure to the injury: For more severe bites, stop any bleeding by putting on a clean cloth or gauze and pressing on the wound firmly. The bleeding should gradually cease for most bites, but it is better to be safe than sorry and continue with the pressure so the bleeding stops completely. Minimize the chance of infection: Once the area has been sanitized, an antiseptic ointment can then be applied to the area. It is done to minimize infection to the greatest extent possible.
Seek Medical Attention
It is better to be cautious and speak with a health professional, even if the bite seems small. It is possible for dog bites to get infected, and some may need stitches or other medical attention. You should get medical assistance if any of the following is true: The site of the bite is deep or has broken the skin surface; you notice some infection-like redness, swelling, or pus; the location of the bite involves the face, hands, or joints, which have a higher chance of complications; or you do not know the dog that bit you. A doctor may suggest a tetanus shot or rabies vaccine depending on the dog's vaccination status and the situation regarding the bite.
Identify the Dog and Assess the Situation
A proper examination of the bite can help to understand if any further actions need to be taken. Try to gather as much relevant information about the dog that bit you as you can. From its breed to its owner details, should you need to contact them later. If it is known that the dog is a pet, see if the owner can shed some light concerning the dog’s vaccines. The owner of the dog may also be obliged to report the incident to the local authority. Should the canine be unvaccinated, swifter medical attention is needed for the person who was bitten.
In the absence of an owner, you will need to notify animal control authorities so they can try to capture the dog and check it’s vaccination status. If the dog is not owned by anyone or you are not able to identify it, inform the local authorities such as law enforcement about the bite so that they are able to find the dog and ensure that it does not cause any more harm.
Breed-Specific Considerations
Every dog bite should be treated with caution. Different breeds of dogs are likely to have specific characteristics that can affect the nature and severity of a bite. While this is the case, it is also important to note that the behavior and disposition of dogs within the same breed can greatly differ, so one should not base assumptions solely on breed.
Large Breeds: Larger breeds are usually the first dogs that people associate with dog bite accidents, but that is not always the case. These tend to be protective when well-socialized and trained. Many are known to have a larger jaw and generally more powerful bite force, so bites from these dogs can usually be more serious.
Terriers and Small Breeds: Smaller dogs are also capable of inflicting harm - don’t let their small size fool you.
No matter what breed, any bites should be treated with care.
Understand Your Legal Rights
Dog bites can result in severe psychological and physical injury. You may have to seek legal options for action if the bite was harmful or the animal being bitten was unprovoked or aggressive in nature.
If injuries from the bite are serious or if the dog's owner was negligent in taking proper care of the animal, seeking the counsel of an attorney who specializes in personal injury or dog bites may assist you in understanding the options and actions that can be taken. Getting help from a personal injury lawyer may help you with steps to follow after you have been bitten by a dog.
In most situations, the dog’s owner shall be responsible for the dog’s behaviors. If the dog was allowed to run free off leash or had a known temperamental disposition, the owner may be legally compelled to compensate you for the medical expenses, lost income, and other damages that you incurred.
Most dog owners have liability insurance that protects them from the financial burden of dog bites. Depending on different factors, the attorney can aid you in negotiating with the dog owner’s insurance company or suing the company if needed.
Preventing Future Dog Bites
In addition to understanding how to remedy dog bites, it is crucial to know how to stop them from happening. Do not interact with strangers’ dogs. Always wait for the owner to allow you to pet the dog, and never go close to dogs. Start socializing dogs from an early age. Owners of dogs should make sure their dogs are socialized, trained, and are not hostile towards strangers and other animals.
Conclusion
Dog bites are scary, but knowing what to do can help reduce any further injuries or complications. Staying collected, getting professional medical care, and reporting the incident are essential steps to remember. Being familiar with the risks related to breeds may also help you gauge the situation’s severity and inform your approach toward responding to the bite.
If the particular bite was the result of a dog owner’s carelessness, then working with a personal injury lawyer would be beneficial in making certain that you are fully aware of your legal entitlements regarding compensation in relation to your injuries.
