First Aid for Dog Bite - Kit, Home Care, What to Expect

By Dr. Dheeraj Bhaskaran Nair in Emergency & Trauma

Feb 14 , 2022 | 1 min read

A dog bite can lead to rabies or tetanus infection. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, it’s important to tend to the injury right away to reduce your risk of bacterial infection.

Tips for Home Care After Dog Bite

Place a clean towel over the injury to stop any bleeding
Try to keep the injured area elevated
Wash the bite carefully with soap and water
Apply a sterile bandage to the wound
Apply antibiotic ointment to the injury every day to prevent infection

When to Rush to the Doctor After Dog Bite

Doesn’t stop bleeding
Causes intense pain
Exposes bone, tendons, or muscle that can cause loss of function, such as an inability to bend fingers
Looks red or swollen
Infected pus or fluid is visible

A First-Aid Kit for Dog Bite Should Include

Sterile Adhesive Bandages in Assorted Sizes
Sterile Gauze Pads of Different Sizes
Adhesive Tape & Band-aid
Cotton Buds & Cotton Roll
Latex Gloves
Thermometer
Scissor
Safety Pins
Sterile Saline/Distilled Water

NOTE:

If you are bitten by a dog with an unknown rabies vaccine history or a dog that acts erratically or appears to be sick:

Seek immediate medical attention
Receive Tetanus Toxoid injection if not received in last 5 years
Take Anti Rabies injection-5 doses, if the dog cannot be kept under observation
Take 3 shots of Anti Rabies injection if the dog doesn’t show any sign or symptoms of Rabies till day 7
Take Rabies Immunoglobulin if it’s a severe bite (class3) or bites on the face