Dog Bite Treatment: Steps to Prevent Infection

Dog bite treatment starts with basic first aid: stop the bleeding, clean the wound, and cover it with a clean bandage. Bites that are deep, bleeding heavily, or are on the face or hands require immediate medical care.

More than 4.5 million dog bites are reported annually in the United States. Children are bitten more often than adults and are more likely to have serious injuries. Most dog bites occur on the hands, face, neck, and head while interacting with familiar dogs.

Dog bites commonly transmit bacteria and have a high risk of infection. Any bite that breaks the skin should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.

This article discusses dog bite treatment. It outlines basic first aid for bite wounds and explains when to seek emergency medical treatment.

How to Treat a Dog Bite

Treating a dog bite should always start with the safety of all involved: the victim, the rescuer, and, if possible, the dog. Secure the dog away from the person who has been bitten. If you cannot contain the dog and it continues to be a threat, contact animal control or the police.

Follow these steps to deliver first aid to a dog bite:

1. Stop bleeding: Apply direct pressure to control bleeding using a clean towel or cloth. While not all dog bites bleed, deep bites can bleed heavily.
2. Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching the dog bite. You may also put on sterile gloves if you have them.
3. Clean the area: Regardless of whether or not the skin was broken, clean the area with soap and warm water. Flush away dirt and bacteria by running water over the wound for about five minutes. Then wash with gentle soap and water and rinse thoroughly for about three minutes to remove all soap.
4. Cover the bite: Use a clean, dry dressing to cover the bite. You can put antibiotic ointment on the wound before covering it, but it's not essential.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

If the dog has broken the skin, see your healthcare provider within 24 hours for evaluation and treatment.

Seek immediate medical care for a dog bite for the following:

• Bleeding that doesn't stop after a few minutes
• Deep or large wound
• Multiple bites
• Muscle or bone is visible
  
• Pus coming from the wound
• Redness and swelling
• You haven't had a tetanus shot in five years or longer
  

Wounds on the face or hands should be checked as soon as possible due to the likelihood of scarring or loss of function.

Risk of Rabies

Rabies is an extremely rare and typically fatal illness that can be transmitted through animal bites. All dogs should be vaccinated for rabies.

Rabies shots last three years, though some states require dogs to receive annual rabies boosters.

While the risk of contracting rabies is minimal, it is more likely if the dog:

• Is a stray or has an unknown vaccination status
• Is not up-to-date with vaccines
• Acts strangely or aggressively
• Appears sick
• Cannot be monitored for at least 10 days for signs of rabies

Bites from dogs without proof of a recent rabies shot require prompt medical attention. You may need to be treated with a post-exposure prophylaxis rabies vaccine.

If the dog is up-to-date with its shots, you should still see your healthcare provider in the next 24 hours for any dog bites that break the skin.

Dog Bite Diagnosis

A healthcare provider should evaluate any dog bites that break the skin. If the bite doesn't seem serious, you can usually wait a day to be examined.

When seeking dog bite treatment, your healthcare provider will want to know the following:

• The date and time of the injury
• The dog's owner
• Whether the dog is up-to-date on shots
• If the dog can be observed for 10 days
• How forceful the bite is
• Your symptoms and any changes to the wound since the bite
• The approximate date of your last tetanus shot

Dog bite treatment is usually determined based on visual examination. A severe dog bite can cause damage to muscles, nerves, tendons, or even bone. X-rays or other imaging studies may be used to evaluate the injury further.

Dog Bite Treatment

The treatment for a dog bite will depend on the size of the bite and where it's located on your body. Dog bite treatment may include:

• Antibiotics may be prescribed as a precaution for bites that cause deep puncture wounds or have a high risk of infection.
  
• Stitches may be needed for a deep bite or a wound that does not stop bleeding.
• Surgery may be necessary to repair muscle, ligaments, or tissue.
• Suture repair may be needed for wounds on the face to minimize scarring.
• Tetanus shot if it has been five years since your last booster.

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for wound care and follow-up appointments.

Keep the area clean and dry and change the bandage once per day. You may need to change it more often if it gets soiled. If prescribed antibiotics, finish them.

When Does a Dog Bite Become an Infection?

As the dog bite begins to heal, you should experience slight swelling, tenderness, pink skin, and clear fluid oozing from the wound. These symptoms last two to five days.

It is essential to monitor the wound for signs of infection. A dog's mouth contains bacteria like staphylococcus, streptococcus, pasteurella, and capnocytophaga, which makes dog bites a high risk for infection.

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following signs of infection:

• Redness that spreads to cover a larger area or red streaks extending from the bite
• Fever of 100.4 degrees F or higher for more than four hours
• Increased pain that does not resolve with over-the-counter pain medication
• Excessive drainage 
• Black edges around the wound, which is a sign of dead tissue
• Yellow or green pus

What Is Capnocytophaga?

Capnocytophaga is a bacteria that lives in the mouths of dogs and cats but does not make them sick. It can, however, make humans very ill, particularly if you have a weakened immune system. 

Capnocytophaga can cause a life-threatening infection that can lead to endocarditis, gangrene, heart attack, kidney failure, and sepsis.

Symptoms of capnocytophaga infection can take up to 14 days to appear. Some signs are evident within hours, though most occur between three to five days later and include: 

• Blisters around the wound within hours of the bite
• Diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain
• Headache with or without confusion
• Muscle or joint pain
• Other signs of infection listed above

Dog Bite Prevention 

Dog bites can often be prevented. If you are a rescuer, practice universal precautions and wear personal protective equipment if available.

Stay away from dogs you do not know. If a stray dog approaches, stand still and quiet and look down at your feet. Remain calm, and don't escalate the situation by running, yelling, hitting, or making sudden movements or high-pitched noises.

Teach children dog safety and supervise children under 5 when interacting with dogs. Make sure kids understand the following:

• Before petting a dog, always ask the owner's permission and let the dog sniff your hand to see if it is comfortable. 
• Do not pull on a dog's ear or tail.
• Do not tease a dog by taking away its toys or treats.
• Leave dogs alone when they are sleeping, eating, or don't feel like playing.
• Stay out of the dog's crate or bed.
  

Summary

Treating a dog bite involves administering basic first aid. Apply pressure to stop bleeding, wash the wound with soap and water, and cover it with a clean bandage. If the bite is deep, on your hand or face, or you cannot control the bleeding, seek immediate medical care.

You should see a doctor within 24 hours if the skin is broken. Additional treatments may include antibiotics, stitches, or even surgery. Your doctor may also recommend a tetanus booster shot or, in rare instances, a rabies shot.

If a dog bites you, get the owner's information and proof of vaccination. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for wound care and watch for signs of infection.