Dealing with Dog Bites

It is never fun dealing with dog bites. However, it is the case that some dogs may always bite. Usually the dogs that bite are untrusting of humans because of being improperly socialized as pups or abused at some point in their life. Some they may bite from just being startled.

In any case...Prevention is the key to avoiding many dog bites. First, know which dog breeds tend to be more aggressive than others. If a dog is known to be an aggressive breed, do not approach it without first asking the owner about the temperament. Of course, it is always a good idea to ask the owner about the temperament of any dog, even if the breed is known to be gentle.

Next, know how to approach a dog. Do not immediately approach a dog without offering a hand to sniff so the dog gets to know you. Of course, it is also important to know how to offer the hand. Make sure that you bend the fingers back toward you and let the dog sniff the back of your hand. This way the dog does not see you as a threat or somebody that is trying to take over its territory. The dog will usually know that you are friendly. If the dog licks or sniffs the back of your hand, you are most likely safe to pet the dog. However, if the dog back away, growls, barks, or does any of the combination of these things, leave the dog alone.

Even when these things are done, sometimes dog attacks happen. If attacked do not try to yank or pull yourself away. This can further the injury as the dog will just bite harder. Also, do not hit the dog as the dog will most likely bite harder and not be afraid. Try to find a stick or similar object to pry into the mouth of the dog. The dog will then feel gagged and most likely let go.

When bitten by a dog, there is a risk of getting infections Types of possible infections include rabies and infection of the bite due to bacteria in the dirt, on your skin, and in the dog's mouth. It is unlikely for a person to get rabies where dogs are required to get rabies vaccines. However, it is not impossible as not all dog owners follow these laws and sometimes there may be stray dogs.

When a dog first bites, if the bite is not so deep that a rush to the hospital is not necessary, the bite should be flushed with water. After that is done, alcohol should be applied. After that, some triple antibiotic ointment should be applied and then a bandage should be applied over the area where the bite is located. If the bite still looks really bad and feels really bad after the triple antibiotic ointment has been applied, then a visit to a local health care clinic or hospital may be necessary.

It is also very important to visit a doctor if you have been bitten by a stay dog as it will be unknown if the dog has rabies. A doctor should get the medical history of the patient and any information about when the dog bite happened. Questions that should be asked are if the dog was provoked, what happened when the dog bit, and if any local authorities were notified. The police and animal control may be required to be notified of the dog if it was an unprovoked attack.

This guide should have helped you to understand how to prevent dog bites and how to take care of them if they happen. It should also have helped you to know if a doctor visit would be necessary for a dog bite. Of course, this is only an overview of information. More information can be obtained from your local animal control, animal shelter, and ASPCA. Check with them or with a doctor if necessary to get more detailed information about preventing and taking care of dog bites.