Do you know what to do if the dog bites you? It happens sometimes, when you are playing with your dog, and accidentally he bites or scratches your hand or leg, it is an alarming situation for you. Because these canine teeth can cause serious problems. Because it contains bacteria in the mouth.
Sometimes it happens, when you go out for a walk and a random Dog bite you without giving any alarming sign, it could be worse for you because most of these random dogs are not vaccinated, so that it can cause many health issues such as dog bite infection, rabies. But the question is what to do if dog bites you? There are different options so don’t need to be worried. If by chance, it happened, now you have to do proper treatment for a dog bite. If a dog bites you, and you are not able to go to the doctor immediately. Follow these steps right away.
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Wash your wound
Take warm water, apply soap on the wound, do gentle massage, and wash it. Repeat this process five to 10 times
- Stop bleeding
If you have bleeding from a wound, take cotton and put it on the wound; press it for 2 to 3 minutes.it will help you to protect yourself from dog bite infections.
- Apply antibiotic cream
Antibiotic creams are very effective for reducing the infection by a dog bite. So take any medicated cream and apply it to your wound.
- Sterile bandage
Wrap a clean bandage over your wound
Note: go to the doctor after your first aid because the doctor can suggest good treatment after seeing the situation,
Complication from a dog bite
It is important to do proper treatment if a canine bite you because it causes severe complications such as
- Dog bite Infection
Dog bites because of many problems like rabies, infection, nerve and muscle damage, etc. Many bacteria’s are found in a dog’s mouth
- Pasteurella
- Staphylococcus
- Capnocytophaga
Dogs may also have MRSA, but it’s not yet proved that it can cause it.It is transmitted through a dog’s bite or not. When a dog bites, if it penetrates the skin by breaking it, it can cause skin infection. There are greater chances of skin infection in people with weak immune systems or suffering from diabetes.
- Nerve damage
If the bite is sharp and deep, it can cause destruction to the Nerves, blood vessels, and muscles.
- Broken bones
If a large dog bites you, it may cause fracturing of bones. The bones in the legs, feet, and hands are broken if you feel broken bone get emergency medical help ASAP.
- Tetanus
Tetanus is a bacterial condition. In the United States, it is quite rare because children are regularly vaccinated. After every ten years, an adult should be provided with a tetanus booster shot.
- Scarring
If a dog bite is severe and tears the skin, it can cause scarring. With time this scarring will decrease.
- Rabies
it is a viral disease that is transmitted through the biting of rabid animals. Rabies is a viral infection that damages the central nervous system. It can be lethal if not treated properly and It can cause death in few days.
Get medical help ASAP if you are bitten by a dog that is not rabies vaccinated. The Rabies virus directly goes to the Central Nervous System of mammals and caused disease in the brain and ultimately results in death. The Rabies virus mostly occurs in bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes, etc.
Do you need a rabies shot?
If a dog bites you who is foaming at the mouth or acting haphazardly, you should get a rabies vaccine ASAP. Rabies can be fatal if left untreated. But this condition is prevented if medical help is found in a timely. In the United States, rabies is uncommon, and it is not transmitted by dogs due to inoculation and prevention programs. The vaccine comprises four injections over the course of several weeks.in addition, an injection of rabies immune globulin is also needed.
Following are the symptoms of dog bite infection
- redness on the area around the wound
- swelling
- pain for more than 24 hours
- Four feelings of warmth around the wound
- inability to move the affected part of the body
- drainage from the wound
If anybody has the following sign, it shows that infection can spread from one part of the body to other
- shaking
- sweating at night time
- fever
Home remedies for dog bite
If you are looking what to do if dog bites you? Here are few home remedies you can try these remedies for minor wounds by dog bites.
- Wash it with soap and water
Whenever you get an injury, it must be cleaned immediately. After a dog bite, wash the area with soap and water. It will also reduce the risk of infection.
- Apply Garlic
Garlic has amazing antibacterial properties, which help a lot if a dog bites you. It also boosts up your immunity. Mix some ground garlic cloves and coconut oil and apply it to the affected area.
- Lemon juice
Lemons are a rich source of vitamin C and help a lot in case of a dog bite.
- Mustard Oil
It has proven to be a very beneficial treatment in the cure of dog bite injury. It has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties and helps a lot in the healing of a dog bite.
- Cumin Seeds
Cumin seeds act by eliminating bacterial agents from the bite site and boost up immunity as well. Take few cumin seeds and mix well in water. Now apply this paste to the affected site.
- Neem and Turmeric Paste
Neem and turmeric paste is one of the initial home remedies in case of a dog bite. Blend some neem leaves and turmeric and make a paste out of this. Neem is a very effective healing agent that is used in a lot of medicines.
- Plantain Leaves
Plantain leaves are derived from a flowering plant and are it is found all over the globe. It has amazing anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties. Make a thick paste of these leaves, mix it with water and apply it to the bite site. It gives urgent relief from itching and pain.
- Asafetida Powder
It has anti-bacterial properties and prevents infection, and it is an amazing anticoagulant and prevents blood clots. You just need to sprinkle asafetida powder over the wound site.
Conclusion
Dogs are beautiful creatures and faithful human friends, but they cause trouble for you if they bite you. Because they contain different bacteria in their mouth, after biting, these bacteria can transfer to humans, which causes severe infection, such as rabies. Rabies is a painful disease, which is caused by a rabid dog and leads to death. So take proper treatment if your dog is vaccinated, and the wound is miner then try home remedies.