What to do if a dog bites or scratches you

A dog bite can cause pain and injury, but it can also transmit infectious diseases. Each year, one in five people around the world is bitten by a dog. Any dog can bite, especially when afraid, worried, eating, playing, or guarding toys or puppies.

Keep in mind that even if your dog is well-trained, if he is sick or going through emotional trauma, or just wants to be left alone, he can scratch or bite you. It is true that any dog can bite, but the majority of dog bites are preventable, and you can take a number of steps to prevent them at home and in your community. Children and senior citizens are more likely to be attacked by dogs, and their injuries tend to be more severe. Most dog bites in children happen during everyday activities and while interacting with known dogs.

There is a high risk of scratching and biting at home when there are multiple dogs. People who live with more than two dogs at home are more likely to be bitten at some point in their lives, for example. According to another study, men are more likely to be bitten by a dog as adults than women.

There is a risk associated with biting and scratching your dog

• Bleeding excessively
• due to infections, such as Capnocytophaga
• Tetanus is caused by Clostridium tetani bacteria
• The rabies virus is a serious infection
• A life-threatening condition caused by the spread of infection to vital organs is sepsis

After being bitten or scratched by a dog, what to do

• A dog bite or scratch can transfer germs, even if it does not appear to be deep or dangerous.
• The scratched area should be cleaned with soap and water. Avoid rubbing the area, as this can cause tissue damage.
• Apply an antibiotic cream to the scratched area.
• Apply a bandage to the area.
• Monitor for signs of infection, such as fever and swelling.

Using a clean cloth or towel, apply pressure on the bite area if it is bleeding. Get medical assistance immediately.
Wash the wound with soap and water.
If you can't stop the bleeding or if you feel dizzy or weak, call your local emergency medical services right away.

Go to a clinic

• If the wound becomes painless, swollen, or red, or if you develop a fever, seek medical attention right away.
• Ask the owner if the dog has been vaccinated against rabies.

The bite incident must be reported to your local animal control agency or police department. If a stray dog scratches or bites you, you must report the incident. If a pet dog bites you, check to see if the animal looks ill or is acting strangely, and contact the owner to verify whether the animal has been vaccinated against rabies.