If you or someone you know has been attacked or bitten by a dog, it’s important to know the proper steps to take in order to ensure safety and avoid infection. In this article, we’ll cover what to do if you’re bitten by a dog, from washing the wound to seeking medical attention. We’ll also provide a few tips on what to do if you witness a dog attack. Read on to find out more:
Contact a dog bite lawyer
If you or someone you know has been the victim of a dog bite, it’s important to know your legal rights. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, trauma or disability. Many lawyers work in multiple areas of law, so a dog bite lawyer can help you understand your rights and options and will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. The sooner you get legal help, the more likely it will be that your case will be accepted.
Stop the attack
It’s important to know what to do in order to stop a dog attack. The first thing you should do is call emergency services or shout for someone to do it for you. Then, try to distract the dog by making loud noises or throwing something at it. If this doesn’t work, use a long-handled brush or mop to push the dog away. Never use your arms or get too close to the dog as they may bite. If the person being attacked is on the floor, get them up quickly. An attacking dog will maul a person if they’re in a vulnerable position, so keep them standing no matter what.
Make the dog release their bite
If a dog already has someone in its jaws, it can be difficult to remove them. The first thing you should do is try to remain calm – panic will make the dog more aggressive. Then, place your hand on the dog’s muzzle and apply firm pressure between the nose and eyes. This will shock the dog into opening its mouth without hurting it. Once you’ve shocked it, raise your arms and back away. If you can’t release the bite, throw cold water at it to provide a shock. Once the bite is released, raise your arms, back away slowly and avoid making any sudden movements. If the dog keeps jumping at your face, you may need to kick them away and shout for help. Again, cold water should help.
Wash the wound
If you’ve been bitten, the first thing you should do is wash the wound with soap and water. This will help to remove any dirt or bacteria that may be on the skin and will also help to reduce the risk of infection. Be sure to use clean hands and running water and scrub the wound for at least fifteen seconds. If the wound is bleeding heavily, apply direct pressure to stop the bleeding. Once the bleeding has stopped, proceed to the next step.
Apply a bandage
For bad bites, a bandage will be needed. This will help to keep the wound clean and protected from further bacteria. Be sure to choose a bandage that is the appropriate size for the wound, and that will stay in place. Apply the bandage securely, but not too tightly. If the bleeding begins to seep through the bandage, apply additional pressure. Sterile cloth is ideal, but in tricky situations any item of clothing will do.
Seeking medical attention
If the bite is severe, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Hopefully, emergency services will already be at the scene, but if nobody is around to help, you’ll need to call them yourself. You’ll likely be prescribed antibiotics to help prevent infection, and you’ll also be given a tetanus shot. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to close the wound.
Report the incident
Finally, make sure to report the incident. This is important in order to ensure that the dog is up-to-date on its vaccinations, and to help prevent future attacks. This will also help to identify the owner, preventing them from owning dogs again in the future.