How To Treat A Minor Dog Bite Wound

If the wound isnt deep and you choose not to seek medical attention you can learn how to treat a dog bite at home. To help prevent infection from a dog bite people should wash the wound as soon as possible.

Pdf Dog Bite Injuries

By Mayo Clinic Staff To care for a minor animal bite or claw wound such as one that only breaks the skin take these steps.

How to treat a minor dog bite wound. Clean the wound under running water. Apply an antibiotic cream or ointment and cover the bite with a clean bandage. The wound should be cleaned thoroughly using medical-grade alcohol or disinfectant.

Slow the bleeding with a clean cloth. Breaks the skin. Minor wounds can be dressed in gauze and bandages to apply weak pressure to the wound stop the bleeding and protect it from further contamination.

However minor dog bites usually result in wounds which are recovering within days without any complications if properly treated. If the dog bite has not broken the skin. Skip to Step 3 if the wound is not covered by hair.

Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. A dogs mouth is full of bacteria and when a dog bites hes introducing bacteria deep inside the victim dog and this can create the prefect environment for infections to set in. Your doctor may prescribe additional treatmentssuch as antibiotics stitches or even surgerydepending on the size of the bite and where it is located on your body.

Most puncture wounds caused by dog bites are minor and can be treated at home. To treat dog bites on hand you might want to consider some steps below. If the bite is already bleeding apply a clean cloth to the wound and gently press down to stop the flow.

Immediately wash your hands with water and soap before and after touching or treating the wound. This is for safety sake so to prevent what looks like a small bite from turning into a major problem. Change the bandage several times a day once your doctor has examined the wound.

If a dog bites you take these steps right away. Follow up with an application of antibacterial lotion and cover with a sterile bandage. A dog bite that breaks the skin can be more dangerous due to the risk of infection and bleeding.

This kind of wound is going to heal within days and does not usually cause any complications. If the wound seems relatively minor less than an inch long with clean edges heres how to treat dog wounds yourself. Keep the wound bandaged and see your doctor.

The study conducted by Stanford medical student Meg Tabaka under supervision by James Quinn MD a professor of emergency medicine followed nearly 500 patients who. Stop the bleeding by squeezing the wounded area until the blood starts to clot. People can treat minor wounds by.

Clip the hair around the area. Run the bite under a cold tap for several minutes making sure that it is thoroughly cleaned. To treat a dog puncture wound your best option is ultimately having your dog see the vet.

For big dogs get down on the ground with them. Steps for Cleaning and Treating Your Dogs Wound. Treating a dog bite involves administering basic first aid including controlling the bleeding cleaning and covering the wound and monitoring for infection.

7 steps to treating a dog bite. Washing the wound with soap and warm water making sure to clean the. If the dog is small place them on a table or counter in front of you.

Carefully inspect the wound and use water to remove any loose debris or dirt. First youll need to place a clean towel over the wound and apply pressure to. Slow the bleeding with a.

However new research shows that the protocol for dog bites should vary depending on the bites characteristics and that routine prescriptions of antibiotics may not be necessary. Use mild soap and run warm tap water over it for five to 10 minutes. There are two possible methods for how to clean a dog bite on a human depending on the severity of the animals attack.

If the dog bite results in a deeply punctured or torn wound the situation may be more urgent. You can clean gently with a warm wet washcloth and apply a thin layer of triple antibiotic ointment to the wound. Wrap the wound in a sterile bandage.

Immediate treatment is required for any wounds in order to promote proper healing process including for puncture wounds caused by dog bites. 7 steps to treating a dog bite. Have a second person gently restrain the pet and use a muzzle if necessary.

Apply over-the counter antibiotic cream if you have it.

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