Dogs are man’s best friends. We have been taking care of dogs, and they take care of us as well. Many people consider themselves fur parents to dogs. These people take care of dogs as they would take care of their children. However, even if we love them, there are times where they bite.
In the US alone, there are more than four million reported cases of dog bites every year. And a few of them leads to death. It is better to know why dogs bite and the five things to do if bitten by a dog.
Quick Overview
- Reasons why dog bites
- Wash your wounds
- Apply antibacterial cream and bandage
- Know the dog that bit you
- Go to the nearest hospital for treatment
- Get a tetanus shot
Reasons why dog bites
There are many reasons why dog bites. Dogs are aggressive creatures that will bite anyone if they feel like being threatened. Therefore, it is vital for dog owners and people that often interact with dogs about their behaviors to avoid getting attacked.
Dogs are territorial
Dogs will bite if they think you are dangerous to their territory or pack, a.k.a. the dog owner. For example, if you accidentally step into an area they are guarding, dogs may bite you. Similarly, breastfeeding dogs are very protective of their pups. Therefore, never engage or try to take a puppy from the mother, especially while breastfeeding.
Dogs react poorly to surprises.
If you accidentally step on the dog’s tail or startling it while sleeping, they will bite. Dogs will think they are under attack and need to defend themselves. These are their instinct that’s talking.
During play
Dogs are active creatures and love the thrill of the hunt. So never run away from your dog if you are playing with it. Their instinct might kick in and bite once they catch you.
There are also cases wherein dogs are sick and very irritated. If this is the case, they may not appreciate getting a pat from you.
Stray Dogs
Although stray dogs are scarce in the US, there are still some. And if that dog has a history of abuse or is fearful of humans, it can feel threatened when approached and will bite if you do so. For these cases, it is best to call the authorities so they can take care of them.
But even if we take countless preventive measures, it is best to know what things to do if bitten by a dog.
Wash your wound
Wash your wound with warm water and soap. Use antibacterial soap if possible. If the skin broke, gently press on the wound until it bleeds. Bleeding will help remove bacteria and germs from the open wound. If it is big and jagged, chances are, it is already bleeding. If this is the case, wash your wound with warm water and soap and gently press a clean cloth into the open wound.
Apply antibacterial cream and bandage
After washing the wound, it is best to apply an antibacterial cream. Dog saliva carries bacteria, and using antibacterial cream will lessen the probability of transmitting it to you. Antibacterial creams are available and are available over the counter. After, wrap the wound with a bandage or clean cloth to prevent another form of bacteria from entering.
Know the dog that bit you
In the US, vaccinations are mandatory for dogs. If you are the owner, ensure that your dog gets all vaccination and boosters. If you are not the dog owner, you need to know all the dog’s details before going to a hospital, namely the owner and vaccination history. Your doctor will need this information for further treatment. Dogs not only carry bacteria; they could also be a carrier of rabies.
What is rabies?
Rabies is a type of virus that is common in dogs. Rabies is zoonotic, meaning anyone who has been bitten or contacted the carrier’s saliva could get infected with the virus. The terrifying thing of all is that once rabies shows symptoms, it leads to death.
Although the US has mandated that all dogs need vaccination and boosters, it is still possible to get rabies from stray dogs and unvaccinated ones. If the dog shows erratic behavior, ask your doctor to get a rabies shot. Rabies is very deadly, and there is no cure once the symptoms make themselves known.
Go to the nearest hospital for treatment.
Dog bites are considered an emergency. Even if the wound is small, you need to go to the hospital to report the incident. Your doctor may have some questions for you regarding what happened, like, is the dog sick? Your doctor will prescribe antibacterial drugs and something for the pain for you to take.
After the incident, always check on the wound and see if an infection occurs. Check if the open wound has swollen and red. If there is pus on the area, it means it is infected. Another visit to your doctor will be necessary in these cases. If a wound gets infected, you will also get complications like fever and chills. If you have diabetes, it could be worse.
Get a tetanus shot
Tetanus is another infection that you should worry about when a dog has bitten you. When an animal bites you (in other cases, even humans), there is always a possibility of an infection caused by a bacterium. Once the bacteria are inside the body, it produces a toxin that causes the neck and jaw to lock. Getting a tetanus toxoid shot prevents this from happening. Tetanus toxoid shots are administered every five years or so, depending on your age. If you do not know when your last vaccine was, your doctor may advise you to get one.
All in all, dog bites are dangerous and need to be treated seriously. If a dog bites you, even if it is just an accident, do not take it lightly. How you react to the situation can make a difference in the result.
