What to Do After Being Bitten by a Pet Dog?

In recent years, with the improvement of living standards, keeping pets has become a trend. However, during close interactions with pet dogs, accidental bites can occasionally occur. If an owner is severely bitten by their own dog, how should they respond? This article will provide professional emergency treatment and subsequent prevention advice.

I. Emergency Treatment Steps

Correct emergency treatment is crucial after being bitten by a dog. Here are the specific steps:

1. Stop the Bleeding Quickly: After being bitten, the first step is to find a relatively clean piece of gauze or cloth to apply pressure to the bleeding area. If the wound is large or bleeding heavily, a tourniquet can be applied above the wound, but it is important to loosen it every five minutes to prevent tissue death due to lack of blood flow.
2. Wash the Wound: After stopping the bleeding, immediately rinse the wound with plenty of clean water to remove surface dirt and bacteria. If possible, using diluted soap water for cleaning is more effective.
3. Disinfect the Wound: Once cleaned, disinfect the wound with iodine or medical alcohol. When disinfecting, gently wipe from the center of the wound outward to avoid pushing bacteria deeper into the wound.
4. Sterile Bandaging: After disinfection, cover the wound with sterile gauze to minimize exposure to the outside environment and reduce the risk of infection.

II. Seeking Medical Assistance and Advice

After completing the emergency treatment, seek professional medical assistance as soon as possible.

1. Go to the Hospital: Choose the nearest reputable hospital and check into the emergency department. Provide the doctor with detailed information about the bite, including the time of the bite, the location, and the dog’s health status.
2. Vaccination: Follow the doctor’s advice to receive the rabies vaccine promptly to prevent rabies. Depending on the condition of the wound, a tetanus vaccine may also be necessary.
3. Wound Suturing and Antibiotic Use: If the wound is large or deep, the doctor may recommend suturing. Additionally, antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection.

III. Subsequent Prevention and Pet Management

After experiencing a bite incident, in addition to timely wound treatment and seeking medical help, attention should also be given to subsequent prevention and pet management.

1. Monitor Pet’s Health: Closely observe the health status of your pet dog. If any abnormal behavior or symptoms arise, take them for a veterinary check-up. Regular vaccinations should also be ensured to maintain their health.
2. Enhance Pet Training and Control: Provide necessary training for the pet dog to develop good behavior habits. Always use a leash when going out to prevent future aggressive incidents.
3. Owner’s Psychological Adjustment: After being bitten, the owner may experience feelings of fear and anxiety. It is advisable to seek help from a mental health professional for psychological support to better cope with and manage such incidents.

Being severely bitten by one’s own pet dog is a distressing incident, but proper emergency treatment and subsequent prevention can significantly reduce harm and prevent similar incidents from occurring again. We hope this article provides useful references and assistance.