What steps should be taken in case of a dog bite?
Brianne Becker
2025-05-18 18:14:44
Count answers: 1
If you’ve been bitten by an animal or another person: clean the wound immediately by running warm tap water over it for a couple of minutes – it’s a good idea to do this even if the skin doesn’t appear to be broken. Remove any objects from the bite, such as teeth, hair or dirt. Encourage the wound to bleed slightly by gently squeezing it, unless it’s already bleeding freely. If the wound is bleeding heavily, put a clean pad or sterile dressing over it and apply pressure. Dry the wound and cover it with a clean dressing or plaster. Take painkillers if you’re in pain, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen – children under 16 years old shouldn’t take aspirin. Seek medical advice, unless the wound is very minor. If the bite has broken the skin, you should seek immediate medical attention after cleaning the wound. Don’t delay seeking help until symptoms of infection appear.
Daniella D'Amore
2025-05-18 17:44:18
Count answers: 5
Do clean the skin around the wound with soap and warm water – you can also use antiseptic, but try not to get it in the wound. Try to remove any objects like teeth, hair or dirt from the wound using running water. Gently squeeze the wound so it bleeds slightly (unless it's already bleeding) – this can help reduce the risk of infection. Press a dry dressing or clean cloth firmly onto the wound to stop the bleeding. If it's bleeding heavily after cleaning the wound, gently pat it dry and cover it with a clean dressing. Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to help ease any pain and swelling – children under 16 should not take aspirin. Get help from NHS 111 if you've been bitten and you think there may still be objects like teeth, hair or dirt in the wound. Go to A&E if the wound is large or deep, you were bitten on your face or head, or you cannot stop the bleeding. Call 999 for an ambulance if you're unable to go to A&E.
Danyka Dickens
2025-05-18 16:00:40
Count answers: 3
When you have a wound, you should always cover it with a dressing as this can help to prevent infection.
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Maryse McDermott
2025-05-18 15:08:40
Count answers: 3
If a dog bites you, take these steps right away: Wash the wound, use mild soap, and run warm tap water over it for five to 10 minutes. Slow the bleeding with a clean cloth. Apply over-the counter antibiotic cream if you have it. Wrap the wound in a sterile bandage. Keep the wound bandaged and see your doctor. You should always see a primary care provider if you’re bitten. No matter what, make sure you see a doctor within eight hours of a dog bite, he says. Waiting longer raises your infection risk. Your doctor will want to know more about the dog that bit you and how it happened. They will also likely clean the wound again, apply antibiotic ointment and prescribe antibiotics, such as Augmentin, if there’s an infection concern. Change the bandage several times a day once your doctor has examined the wound. Watch for signs of infection, including redness, swelling, increased pain and fever.
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