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What to do after a dog bite: Essential tips and precautions you can follow

What to do after a dog bite: Essential tips and precautions you can follow

TOI Lifestyle Desk / etimes.in / Jun 30, 2025, 20:00 IST

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Dog bites can be frightening, especially for children, necessitating immediate action to prevent infection. Prioritize safety by creating distance from the dog and gathering vaccination information. Wash the wound thoroughly, apply antibiotics, and monitor for infection signs. Seek prompt medical attention for deep wounds, uncontrolled bleeding, or any signs of infection to avoid serious complications.

What to do after a dog bite: Essential tips and precautions you can follow

Being bitten by a dog can be a frightening experience. Children are more likely to be bitten and seriously injured, so extra caution is necessary around dogs. It’s crucial to act fast and immediately to prevent infection and promote healing. Rather than panicking, take a deep breath, assess the wound, and seek medical help if the wound is deep, bleeding heavily, or showing signs of infection. Proper treatment can prevent bacterial infections and serious complications. Don’t delay the treatment to avoid long-term consequences, and get help as soon as possible.

Dog bite safety: Here’s what you must do immediately

After a dog bite, the first step is to create distance from the dog and prioritise your safety. Next, if the owner is present, ask them if the dog has been vaccinated against rabies. Ask for the dog’s vaccination history and get their contact information, including their vet’s details. If the dog is stray, ask people living in the colony or nearby areas if they know the dog’s caretaker or vaccination status. Even if it's your dog, ensure it's up-to-date on rabies shots, as any animal can bite unexpectedly. Gather as much information as possible to ensure your safety and potential future treatment.

Possible health risks of a dog bite

People with weakened immune systems or diabetes are more susceptible to severe complications caused by a dog bite. According to Healthline, deep dog bites can cause nerve, muscle, or blood vessel damage, while large dogs can inflict broken bones. Seek medical attention to prevent these complications.Here are the possible complications from a dog bite:

Bacterial infections like Staphylococcus, Pasteurella, or Capnocytophaga
Nerve and muscle damage
Broke bones, especially in hands, feet, or legs
Rabies, if the dog’s vaccination history is incomplete
Scarring can be permanent, but medical techniques can help reduce its appearance
Death is rare, but more common in children under the age of 10 years.

How to prevent infection after a dog bite

Dog bites can introduce dangerous bacteria into the body. This can cause serious infections to occur when left untreated. According to reports, follow these tips to prevent infection. To prevent infection from a dog bite:

Wash the wound immediately with soap and water.
Apply topical antibiotics like povidone iodine.
Cover the wound and change bandages daily.
Monitor for signs of infection (redness, swelling, increased pain).
Seek medical attention if symptoms appear, which can range from 24 hours to 14 days after the bite.
If prescribed antibiotics, complete the full course (usually 1-2 weeks) even if symptoms subside.

Urgent warning signs after a dog bite: When to seek medical care

Don’t delay medical attention if you’re unsure about the severity of the bite or your symptoms. Consult a doctor before the infection from a dog bite gets serious.

The dog's rabies vaccine history is unknown, or the dog appears sick.
Bleeding won't stop.
Severe pain or exposed bone, tendons, or muscle.
Loss of function or mobility.
Signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus, or fluid).
Uncertain about tetanus shot status.
Experiencing weakness, dizziness, fever, or disorientation.

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TOI Lifestyle Desk

The TOI Lifestyle Desk is a dynamic team of dedicated journalists who, with unwavering passion and commitment, sift through the pulse of the nation to curate a vibrant tapestry of lifestyle news for The Times of India readers. At the TOI Lifestyle Desk, we go beyond the obvious, delving into the extraordinary. Consider us your lifestyle companion, providing a daily dose of inspiration and information. Whether you're seeking the latest fashion trends, travel escapades, culinary delights, or wellness tips, the TOI Lifestyle Desk is your one-stop destination for an enriching lifestyle experience.

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