What to do if a dog bites you and drew blood?
Brook Lemke
2025-05-19 02:55:01
Count answers: 5
Almost all dog bites that break the skin carry a risk of infection due to the large amount of bacteria that live in a dog’s mouth. For this reason, some wounds are allowed to heal without stitches or glue, because this reduces the chance of the wound becoming heavily infected. This includes bites that happened over 24 hours before, bites that are already infected, deep puncture wounds, bites which have caused a crush injury, very dirty bites or bites on the legs, arms, hands or feet. Your child’s wound will be thoroughly cleaned and afterwards we will prescribe a 5 day course of the antibiotic co-amoxiclav to stop any infection developing if the bite has broken the skin. You should bring your child back to hospital to be seen by a doctor or nurse practitioner as soon as possible if: There are any signs of infection, such as: Redness Pain that is out of proportion to the wound Swelling Smelly discharge.
Fatima Zulauf
2025-05-19 01:44:21
Count answers: 3
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.
Glenna Romaguera
2025-05-19 01:28:13
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. If the wound is large or deep, go to A&E. You've been bitten by an animal or person and the wound is large or deep, you were bitten on your face or head, you cannot stop the bleeding. Call 999 for an ambulance if you're unable to go to A&E.
Zoe Green
2025-05-18 23:48:39
Count answers: 4
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. 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. 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.
Ted Kirlin
2025-05-18 22:21:45
Count answers: 4
If bitten, but the bleeding is minor, cleanse and treat the wound as you would a minor wound. Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water, apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with a clean bandage. If the bite creates a deep puncture or the skin is badly torn and bleeding, apply direct pressure to stop the bleeding and get medical attention right away. A tetanus shot may be required if you have not had one within 10 years; if you are not sure when you had your last tetanus shot, and you’ve been bitten, you should get one within 72 hours after your injury. If you develop a fever or other signs of infection — swelling, redness, pain, a bad smell or fluid draining from the area — see a physician immediately.
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