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Intro:
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| Mild soap and lots of clean, running water Sterile gauze Tape or adhesive bandages Antibiotic ointment Information about the dog's vaccinations Optional: Latex gloves (if you're helping a bite victim) The telephone number for your local animal control center
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| About 10 to 15 minutes to clean and treat the wound, check the dog's vaccinations, and possibly call the animal control authorities. If necessary, allow extra time for a doctor's visit for a tetanus shot. Check for signs of infection for 24 to 48 hours after the bite occurred.
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Biting commentary The postman always thinks twice when approaching an unknown dog--and if you've ever been bitten, you know why. Luckily, the vast majority of dog bites respond well to simple home care. We'll take you through the steps for cleaning and dressing a wound, and we'll also address the special measures you can take if the situation is more serious.
Although this 2torial will cover minor bites that can be treated at home, be aware of what constitutes a medical emergency. Punctures or lacerations that are big enough to need stitches, sink down into tendons or muscle, or produce excessive bleeding will require immediate medical attention. Also check for broken bones or sprains. Medical help is also recommended if you haven't had a tetanus shot in the past five years, or if you don't know the rabies vaccination record of the dog that bit you. Note: It's extremely important to obtain vaccination information. If possible, stay on the scene until you have it.
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