What Should I Do If I Get Bitten By a Dog?

Aren’t you lucky if you’ve never been bitten by a ‘stray’ dog?

Indeed, it is an uncommon occurrence for anyone to experience this neither it is an unusual happening. As much as we want to avoid being bitten, it is equally important to know how to react when it happened.

Steps To Take When Bitten by Someone Else’s Dog

1. Stay Calm. I understand it is easy said than done and it can be difficult to stay collect under this circumstance. Unfortunately you have to try because when you get all panicky and hysterical you can’t accomplish anything—such as identify the dog and nursing your wound(s).

2. Identify the Dog. Instead of seeing how much damage the dog had done, first take a good look at the dog—its size, breed, and color. If you know the dog belongs to your neighbor or relative, take note of that and also the time and location when the incident occurred.

3. Treat Wounds. Whether they are minor or severe wounds, it is very crucial to attend to them first to prevent further contamination.

1. Wash the wound well with antiseptic soap or regular soap under running water.
2. Express blood and dirt from the wound.
3. When the wound is visibly clean, you may use a sterile bandage temporarily to stop the bleeding, preventing further contamination of the wound.
4. If the bleeding has stopped, it is better to leave the wound open to heal.

4. See a Physician. This is a precaution. If there is any concern that the dog could be rabid, the physician will start you on a series of rabies anti-toxoid vaccinations.

5. To the Owner. If you’d been bitten by a neighbor’s dog, it’s best to approach the owner first. Letting them know of the situation before the authorities is a form of civil mindedness, I think. People are more receptive and willing to make whatever necessary arrangements to prevent same incident from happening again.

(I know some may not agree with me on this approach—bypassing this step, that’s your prerogative since everyone has his/her own beliefs.)

6. To Local Authority. If you are bitten without provocation, it’s best to report to the appropriate authorities along with the information you had gathered. This will enable the animal control officer or police to locate the dog and at the same time take necessary measures to avoid future occurrences to other people. The animal control authority will require the owner to bring the dog for a veterinary examination and investigation.

Note: Making a false or malicious report against a dog owner can result in prosecution against oneself. This may only apply to certain countries.

7. Health Insurance Company. If the injury is severe, you might want to alert your insurance agent (that’s if you have one and are covered for animal bites) immediately.

8. Dog Bite Lawyer Specialist. Again, option is yours, if you choose to accelerate the matter. After you have been properly evaluated by medical personnel then you can consider consulting with a lawyer specialized in dog bites. Your lawyer will require you to provide needed information to be able to execute his job. If you are unable to provide this information you can consider bringing in a witness or neighbor (that’s if s/he is willing) that was at the scene.