First Aid for Dog Bites

Dog bites can cause serious injuries and infections, including the risk of rabies. Immediate and thorough first aid is critical to minimize complications.

Immediate First Aid Steps

1. Flush the Wound:
2. Rinse the wound immediately with plenty of clean water (at least 10 liters).
3. If clean water is unavailable, use any available liquid (e.g., human urine) as a temporary measure until water is found.

4. Thoroughly flush the wound to remove saliva and debris.

5. Enlarge and Squeeze:

6. Dog bite wounds are often small on the surface but deep inside. Enlarge the wound slightly if possible.

7. Gently squeeze the surrounding soft tissue to expel saliva and blood.

8. Control Bleeding:

9. If bleeding is excessive, apply a tourniquet above the wound and seek emergency medical attention immediately.

10. Avoid Bandaging:

11. Do not bandage the wound. Keeping it open allows for better drainage and reduces infection risk.

What Not to Do

• Do not skip flushing the wound.
• Do not simply apply antiseptics like mercurochrome and bandage the wound before going to the hospital. This is incorrect and dangerous.

Rabies Risk and Symptoms

If bitten by a rabid dog, rabies can develop. The incubation period ranges from a week to several months or even years. Deep bites or bites near the head can lead to faster disease progression.

Early Symptoms:

• Weakness
• Headache
• Vomiting
• Poor appetite
• Tightness in the throat

Advanced Symptoms:

• Manic behavior and fearfulness
• Difficulty breathing and swallowing
• Fear of water (hydrophobia)
• Paralysis and dilated pupils

Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. Immediate medical attention is essential.

When to Seek Medical Help

• After providing first aid, visit a healthcare provider immediately.
• Inform the provider about the dog’s vaccination status, if known.
• Follow the recommended vaccination schedule for rabies prevention.

This guide is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.