Over 28% of US households own a pet dog. Yet not all of them are well-trained or friendly, and even well-known pets can turn suddenly. But when bitten what are the steps you should take?
Luckily, most dog bites are mild. Below, we give our essential guide on dog bite treatment.
Dog Bite Treatment
Immediately after a dog bite, there are several steps you should take. This can help stem bacterial infections and protect your insurance claims. Begin by following the treatments below.
If you have a clean towel to hand, place it over the injury. A sterile bandage or gauze would be the best method. Maintain elevation on the injured area.
Once you are home if the wound does not need stitches then apply an antibacterial ointment. You should wash the wound with mild soap and water.
How to Document Injuries
You must document your injuries, to make it easier for a personal injury law firm to get the compensation you deserve. Begin by questioning the owner of the animal. You need to know if the dog is up to date on its vaccinations or has done a similar thing before.
Insurance companies and medical professionals will ask questions as well. They will want to know if you know the animal if the attack was provoked and if you have any underlying health conditions. You should take pictures of the wound immediately after the attack and later when bruising and swelling set in.
Visit a Doctor
Even if the bite seems minimal, you should visit a doctor. Just because the wound has not broken the skin does not mean it will cause problems. A doctor will check for any damage to muscle, tendons, and bones.
Should you be bleeding, they will clean the wound and stitch it. However, suturing a wound increase the risk of infection in bites, though it may reduce scarring. Discuss this with the medical professional.
Few dogs in the US will have rabies, so this should rarely be an issue. You may get prescribed a treatment of antibiotics for around 14 days which will prevent any subsequent infection.
Contact the Police
Once you have a doctor’s report, then you should contact the police. This is not for evidence, but to ensure that the attack was logged. The animal may have done a similar thing in the past, and you may be able to prevent it from happening again if the authorities have this evidence.
If you have serious injuries, consider contacting a lawyer. They may be able to get recompense for medical bills and any trauma you have had.
Recovering
Now you know what to do after dog bite treatment, your recovery should be swift. Get some rest and don’t over-exert yourself. Ensure you have the document in place and contact a lawyer if needed.
This article is one of many to help you with legal matters. From property to accidents, we can help you know what you are entitled to in the coming years.
