Dogs are popular pets in Connecticut, but these furry friends can be a hazard when they aren’t well trained or properly supervised. Every year in the U.S., 4.5 million people suffer from dog bites, and most of the injured victims are children. Children are also much more likely to sustain injuries to their face, head and neck than adults who are bitten by dogs.
What to do after a dog bite
Dog bites can range from minor to severe, depending on whether the bite broke the skin or not. Another thing that can make a dog bite worse is if it becomes infected. You’ll need some immediate first aid after a dog bite, and you may need further medical treatment.
First aid after a dog bite
Immediately after a dog bite, the wound should be washed in order to prevent infection. If the bleeding is bad, though, you will need to stop the bleeding first before cleaning the wound. Apply pressure with a clean piece of cloth or gauze, and don’t immediately remove the cloth as that can cause the bleeding to start again.
Signs you should get medical treatment
You should seek professional medical treatment for any serious wound that draws blood. Any bite to the hands, feet, head, face, neck or genitals should get medical attention. If you are having trouble moving your joints after a dog bite, this could be a sign of tendon damage that should be looked at by a doctor.
What if you neglected to see a doctor immediately?
Many people neglect to get immediate help for a dog bite and then realize that their wound is becoming infected. If the area where you were bitten has swelling, redness, pus or severe pain, it may be infected. Other signs of infection include fever and fatigue.