Dog Bite

Dog bite could sometimes be very serious. In addition to the risk of rabies there is the additional risk of infection. If the animal is suffering from rabies there is the possibility of it being transmitted to the person bitten. This condition is also called hydrophobia. The dog that bites a person should not be killed. It should be kept under observation for a ten-day period. If the dog remains healthy after this period then the risk of rabies to the person bitten is low. However, there is still the threat of rabies occurring sometimes, months or years after the bite even if the animal does not die during the ten-day period.

The aim of First Aid in a case of dog bite is to prevent rabies, to reduce the risk of infection and to get medical aid as soon as possible.

Management

1. Wipe the saliva away from the wound using a clean cloth or handkerchief. Do not come into contact with the saliva that gets wiped away.
2. Wash the wound thoroughly with plenty of soap and water.
3. Cover the wound with a dry, sterile dressing. Do not put carbolic acid, nitric acid etc. on the wound.
4. Get medical aid or send the patient to the hospital as soon as possible.