Dog bites are scary, especially if you don’t know the animal or the owner. In most cases bites aren’t all that serious, but because the mouth of a dog is full of bacteria it can lead to a serious infection. Clean the wound immediately and watch for signs of infection. If you or a loved one are bitten by a dog and you don’t know it’s medical history you will need to seek medical attention immediately as rabies is always a concern when dealing with unfamiliar dog bites.
How do I know if I have an infected dog bite?
- Fever
- Swelling
- Itching
- Increased pain
- Sensitivity
- Redness around the bite
How do I prevent dog bites?
- Never pet or approach an unfamiliar dog.
- Never tease or provoke a dog, even one you know.
- Supervise your children when they are playing with animals such as dogs.
- Don’t mess with or allow your children to mess with a dog while it is eating.
How can I treat dog bites?
- Clean bites with agrimony, witch hazel or yarrow as these will both clean and promote healing.
- Marigold is known for its antibacterial properties.
- Tea tree and aloe promote healing and protect against infection.
- Apply pressure with a clean cloth until bleeding stops; if bleeding does not stop seek medical attention immediately.
- Once the wound is clean, dress with aloe or tea tree and cover with a bandage.
- Use lavender oil to prevent swelling and promote healing.
- Remember to change the bandage and dressing daily.
- You can use a drop or two of clove oil to help relieve pain.
