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Intro:
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| Even if there aren't any puncture wounds, you may want to check for sprains or broken bones. A dog's mouth can deliver from 150 to 450 pounds (about 70 to 200 kilograms) of pressure per square inch. Stay away from a dog that's growling, has its ears back, and has its teeth bared. It's warning you to stand back. Never turn your back on a threatening dog. Don't try to break up a dog fight. It's almost a sure ticket to getting bitten (even if the dog is your own). |
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Ouch! If the bite broke the skin, you're probably bleeding. This is quite natural, but you'll want to stop it quickly. To do this, press a clean, dry cloth or sterile gauze against the wound. You'll need to apply even, firm pressure until the bleeding stops (this can take several minutes). Elevating the affected body part also will help.
Once the bleeding is under control, try to determine how serious the wound is. In most cases, home care is the best prescription (see Step 3 for details). But if it looks bad enough for the emergency room, you should wash the wound with mild soap and clean, running water beforehand. However, check the dog's vaccination record before doing so. |
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Examine the wound
