Dogs are faithful companions and loved members of our families, but they are still animals that can attack. When a dog’s friendly disposition gives way to bared teeth and bristled fur, it can be a deeply traumatic and frightening experience. In the moments after a dog attack, your immediate actions can significantly reduce the risk of infection and serious complications. First aid should be your top priority, but knowing what to do after a dogbite goes beyond sanitizing and dressing the wound.
This comprehensive guide walks you through every necessary step, from initial cleaning to long-term wound care and official reporting.
Why is it so Imperative to Know What to do After a Dog Bite?
The urgency in responding to a dog bite stems from a potent combination of factors: infection risk and wound complexity.
- High Infection Rate: A dog’s mouth carries a complex mix of bacteria, including Pasteurella, Staphylococcus, and Capnocytophaga. When a tooth punctures the skin, these pathogens are driven deep into the tissue. The CDC estimates that approximately 885,000 Americans seek medical care for dog bites each year, largely due to resulting infections or the need for reconstructive repair.
- Puncture Wounds: Dog bites often create deep puncture wounds that can look small on the surface but are impossible to clean thoroughly without medical help. This traps bacteria and creates an ideal environment for rapid infection.
- Severity and Cost: A Rapid Evidence Review published in the journal American Family Physician in November 2023 found that an average of 337,000 people were treated in US emergency departments for dog bites, with total medical costs approaching $2 billion per year. Quick, appropriate action helps mitigate this severe outcome.
Our Full Guide on What to Do After a Dog Bite
The infographic above outlines the core steps to give you a quick overview of what to do after a dog bite. If you would like more detailed instructions to help you achieve a safe and effective recovery, please continue reading.
Section 1: Immediate Actions (First 5-10 Minutes)
Step 1: Assess the Wound
A quick assessment helps determine if you need to call an ambulance or drive to an urgent care facility.
- Minor vs. Serious: Is it a minor scrape/abrasion, or is the skin torn, deeply punctured, or visibly jagged (laceration)? Puncture wounds are deceptive and often require professional cleaning.
- Location Matters: Wounds on the face, hands, feet, or near joints are considered high-risk due to the density of nerves, tendons, and small bones.
Step 2: Control Bleeding & Clean Gently
The most critical immediate action is thorough wound flushing.
- Apply Pressure: If the wound is actively bleeding, apply gentle, direct pressure using a clean cloth or sterile dressing.
- Wash Vigorously: The single best defense against infection is to wash the wound with mild soap and a steady stream of running water for 5 to 10 minutes. This process physically flushes out bacteria and saliva.
- Cover: After cleaning, apply a sterile bandage or gauze. Do NOT use hydrogen peroxide, alcohol, or harsh chemicals, as these can damage tissue and delay healing.
Step 3: Gather Information
If the dog’s owner is present and it is safe to interact, collecting this information is vital for your medical treatment and peace of mind.
- Owner Details: Get the owner’s full name, address, and contact information.
- Rabies Status: Immediately ask for proof of the dog’s rabies vaccination status. If this information is unavailable, you will need post-exposure prophylaxis.
Section 2: When to Seek Medical Attention (Crucial Decision Points)
Step 4: See a Doctor IMMEDIATELY If…
If you are unsure of the wound’s severity, always consult a healthcare professional. Seek immediate medical attention for any of the following:
- Deep Puncture/Laceration: Any wound that fully penetrates the skin calls for professional care. Doctors may irrigate, surgically clean, or even debride the wound.
- High-Risk Location: Any bite to the face, hands, feet, or near joints is especially dangerous. These areas have a much higher rate of infection and nerve damage.
- Uncontrolled Bleeding: Bleeding that soaks the bandage and does not slow after 15 minutes of firm pressure often requires sutures.
- Signs of Infection: Immediate redness, swelling, increased warmth, or pus/discharge at the bite site can be a sign of serious infection.
- Dog’s Vaccination Status Unknown: If the dog cannot be located or is unverified, you must discuss the potential need for a rabies series.
- Tetanus Status: If you have not had a tetanus booster shot in the last five years (for a contaminated wound), a physician will administer one.
Dog Bite After Care: Tips for Managing the Wound at Home
Successful dog bite aftercare is a commitment to monitoring and cleanliness. Just because medical attention addressed the immediate dangers doesn’t mean that the wound is healed. Consistent wound care will help stave off infections and speed your recovery.
Step 5: Daily Wound Care
If you sought medical attention, be sure to closely follow the doctor’s instructions. Your physician will typically provide documents that outline daily wound care procedures. If you do not receive such documentation, please ask for written care instructions before you are discharged from the hospital/emergency room.
If the wound was not stitched (many bite wounds are left open to heal), you must:
- Clean Daily: Gently wash the area before changing the dressing.
- Apply Ointment: Follow medical advice on whether to apply a topical antibiotic ointment.
- Change Dressing: Keep the wound covered with a fresh, sterile dressing to protect it from contaminants.
Step 6: Monitor for Infection
Even when thoroughly sanitized, deep puncture wounds always run the risk of bacteria entering your bloodstream. Be on the lookout for symptoms indicating the wound is worsening or the infection is spreading. These are signs of a developing bacterial infection (like cellulitis) and require immediate medical re-evaluation.
- Increased pain that is disproportionate to the injury
- Spreading redness or streaks extending from the wound
- Swelling
- Warmth
- Fever
- Thick, discolored pus.
Step 7: Pain Management
Manage initial pain and swelling with over-the-counter medications like Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen, following recommended dosage guidelines.
Legal and Reporting Considerations
First aid and aftercare are only the first steps of what to do after a dog bite. Beyond the physical wound, there are public health and legal obligations that you should be aware of.
Step 8: Report the Bite
Reporting to your local Animal Control or health department is crucial for community safety and health tracking.
- Rabies Protocol: Reporting initiates a mandatory quarantine period for the dog (usually 10 days) to observe it for signs of rabies, which protects you from needing an immediate rabies treatment series (§ 441A.425)
- Documentation: This creates an official, unbiased record of the incident.
Step 9: Document Everything
Thorough documentation is essential for both your medical records and any potential insurance or legal claims.
- Photos: Take dated, high-resolution photographs of the wound immediately after the bite and periodically as it heals.
- Records: Keep all records: Animal Control reports, doctor’s notes, hospital bills, receipts for medication, and communications with the owner.
Know What to Do After a Dog Bite, Know Your Rights
A dog bite incident involves trauma, both physical and psychological. Prompt medical attention can help heal your physical wounds, but the mental aspect can be more difficult to address. Our goal with this guide was to help you prepare so you’re ready in an emergency. By following this step-by-step guide, you can take control of the situation while prioritizing your health and creating a clear record of the events.
If you have sustained a serious injury that requires extensive medical care, surgery, or results in time lost from work, you may need assistance navigating the complexities of insurance claims and liability. Consulting with a specialist can help ensure your rights are protected and that you receive compensation for your injuries. If you believe your injury warrants legal consideration, contact an animal attack lawyer to discuss your case.
Medical Disclosure
The information provided herein regarding cleaning wounds, seeking medical attention, monitoring for infection, and aftercare procedures does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The guidance is general in nature and is not a substitute for professional medical care.
Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider (such as a physician, urgent care facility, or emergency room) immediately after a dog bite to properly assess the wound, determine the risk of infection, and evaluate the need for specific treatments, including sutures, antibiotics, or rabies prophylaxis. Do not delay or disregard professional medical advice based on content found in this guide.