You have probably heard multiple ways and methods to avoid a dog bite. Unfortunately, sometimes a bite is inevitable no matter how much training you have to avoid one. If you or someone close to you gets bitten by a dog, then it's a good idea to know how to handle the situation. Not all bites require emergency medical attention, and most can be handled at home. But, you should be able to take care of a non-emergency situation and be able to recognize an emergency situation.

If the bite is serious, then take a trip to your physician or emergency room immediately. If you are unable to take yourself, then don't be afraid to call 911. Try to stop the bleeding until help arrives. Apply pressure to the wound with the cloth, and do your best to elevate the wound. If a wild animal bit you (as opposed to a domestic one), then you may need to take a trip to the doctor just in case. You don't necessarily have to rush to the emergency room, but do let your family doctor take a look at the bite. Wild animals are not vaccinated against diseases such as rabies; they can, therefore, transmit such diseases. You may need to have a booster shot or take antibiotics for preventative purposes.

Unless the wound is deep or gaping, then you need to try to treat it yourself before you take a trip to the emergency room. Wash the wound with warm soap and water. It may be uncomfortable, but try to get out any dirt and debris. Use a cloth to dab the wound, and apply pressure to stop the bleeding. If it is a shallow cut or scrape, then apply an antibiotic ointment and cover with a bandage. Wash the wound once or twice a day, applying the ointment and a fresh bandage each time. If you cannot stop the bleeding within fifteen or twenty minutes, then you may need to take a trip to the doctor.

If you know the dog that bit you, then it can be a little easier to determine whether or not a trip to the doctor is on order. Talk to the owner about the pet's recent vaccinations. Has the dog been vaccinated against rabies? Have you had a tetanus shot within the past five years? Just because the owner says "no" to any vaccination questions does not mean you need to rush to the hospital. Instead, pay close attention to the wound for the next few days. Emergency situations are usually obvious, but sometimes they can creep up on you. Infections, for instance, may not appear until days later. It is up to you to keep the wound cleaned out properly until it heals. Also, pay attention to the area around the wound. If it appears swollen, red, or infected, then you should go see a doctor.

If your child is bitten by a dog, then it's a good idea to take extra precautions. Many veterinarians recommend taking a child straight to the doctor if the bite punctures the skin. Also, people with weakened immune systems need to take extra precautions. A weakened immune system can be less likely to fight off infection and disease, so medical treatment is necessary.

Once you get the wound taken care of, then you may need to take steps to report the animal that bit you. A wild animal should be reported to animal control. If possible, try to let animal control know where (in the community) you got bit and what the animal looked like. In a domestic situation, each state has its own laws concerning how much responsibility owners have over their dogs. In many cases, you may be able to receive compensation for your medical bills.

Getting bit by a dog is not fun, but it is not always an emergency. Evaluate the situation before you rush off to the hospital. A wild or rabid animal or a deep, gaping wound is often an emergency. In many cases, the wound can be taken care of at home. If you decide not to seek help, then keep a close eye on the bite for a few days. If any changes occur, then you should go see your doctor. Take extra safety and health precautions if the person bit is a child or suffers from a weakened immune system.

This article was provided by discount pet mall an online pet shop featuring wrought iron dog feeders and dog couches.