Last Updated on July 30, 2022 by Dogs Vets
Got Bitten By a Dog? Don’t Ignore These 7 Important Steps
Unconditional love, constant companionship and emotional support are just a few factors that make dogs one of the most popular pets around the world.
From puppy to adult dogs, most furry friends require dog training to build confidence, socialization skills, and dissuade bad behavior. However, despite training and other measures, some dogs may end up biting people in certain circumstances.
Are you wondering what to do after a dog bite? You’re in the right place. In this post, we are outlining everything you need to know about treating dog bites and subsequent steps.
Get Away From the Dog
If you were bitten by a dog, you should immediately get away from the animal. In case you are being chased by a dog, it would be best to slowly back away and safely climb on a wall.
Refrain from sprinting away, which may encourage the animal to chase after you.
When you have been bitten, avoid chasing after the dog, which may further aggravate them. Take care of your injury before confronting the owner.
Seek Medical Help
Even a harmless-looking dog bite can lead to infections, rabies or even death. Therefore, it’s crucial to seek medical help as soon as possible. You should start by thoroughly washing the wound with water and soap and applying an antibacterial cream.
Next, you should consult a doctor for subsequent treatment, which may include antibiotics, tetanus shots and other medication.
Exchange Information with the Owner/Caretaker
Once you have addressed the injury, talk to the owner or caretaker. Ask for their name, contact information and address. This is an important step you cannot overlook. That’s because you will probably need details of the dog’s vaccination history to get the necessary treatment for your injuries.
If the dog was loose without an owner or caretaker, call 911 to report the incident. Try your best to remember the breed, size, and color of the dog. Also, note down if the animal was wearing a collar or any other details.
Talk To Witnesses
If there are any eyewitnesses, make sure to get their contact information as well. They may help your case if you decide to pursue legal action.
Document Your Injury
It’s crucial to carefully document your injury and any after effects. If possible, start by documenting the visible injuries before you get any treatment.
Photographing your injuries will come in handy if you’re taking legal action or seeking insurance claims. You should also record any other symptoms such as pain, discomfort, compromised mobility, and so on.
Moreover, you should also keep track of every treatment, medical bill and other expenses associated with the dog bite.
Consult an Attorney
Getting bitten by a dog can be financially exhausting and mentally traumatic. You deserve to be compensated for the pain and suffering caused by a dog bite. It would be best to involve a qualified and experienced lawyer to represent your rights.
In addition to seeking compensation from the responsible party, a lawyer can also negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.
Prioritize Your Mental Health
The after-effects of a dog bite aren’t limited to physical injuries. Whether you were bitten or chased by a dog, such incidents can instill an intense fear of dogs.
You may experience serious anxiety in the presence of a dog or even when you’re thinking about encountering a dog. This disorder, known as Cynophobia, could discourage you from going to places or doing activities where dogs might be present.
If you are experiencing symptoms associated with cynophobia, it would be best to seek professional help and necessary therapies to overcome this fear.
Wrapping Up
Since multiple species of bacteria live in dog bites, such injuries might be a lot more dangerous and serious than you realize.
Hopefully, the aforementioned tips will help you get the necessary treatment and deal with this incident. We also urge you to consider taking legal action to get the compensation you deserve.
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