What should you do after a dog bites you?
Rudolph Sipes
2025-05-18 20:06:05
Count answers: 2
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 – 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 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. Bring any medicines you take with you.
Kara Schowalter
2025-05-18 17:04:22
Count answers: 1
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. 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. 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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