Dog Bite Treatment: Effective Prevention of Dog Bite with these Remedies at home

Dog is known as man’s best friend, but sometimes due to aggression or in self-defence a dog can pose serious harm to a person. Even dogs kept as pets in homes often bite their owners in playfulness. It is important to note that if a dog bite is not treated with proper medical care it can fatal to human health.

Dog Bite Diseases

Diseases like Rabies, Cellulitis, Meningitis, Lymphangitis, Endocarditis, Tetanus etc are transmitted to humans through a dog bite. Dogs' tiny teeth can also rip your skin, and their front teeth will grasp and squeeze your flesh. An exposed, ragged wound is the end outcome.

An individual bitten by dog should urgently seek first aid and a doctor’s advice. No matter what, according to the experts, make sure you visit a doctor within eight hours of a dog bite. The danger of infection increases as you wait longer. Your chance of contracting an infection is increased if you have diabetes or weakened immune system.

Effective Treatment of Dog Bite at Home

1. Wash the wound- Use mild soap, and run warm tap water over it for five to 10 minutes.

2. If bleeding continues, slow the bleeding with a clean cloth.

3. Apply over-the-counter antibiotic cream.

4. Wrap the wound in a sterile bandage after properly cleaning it with a disinfectant.

5. Keep the wound bandaged and consult with your doctor to ask if any vaccination is needed for the bite. 

6. Change the bandage several times a day once your doctor has examined the wound.

7. Watch for signs of infection, including redness, swelling, increased pain and fever.

How to prevent infection by dog bite?

• Dog bites can cause the body to become infected with harmful bacteria. If left untreated, this can result in infections that are dangerous and occasionally fatal.

• After being bitten, it's crucial to wash the wound right away and apply topical medicines, like povidone iodine, to the area's torn skin.

• Change the bandages every day and keep the wound covered.

• Watch the wound for indications of infection. The onset of symptoms can occur anywhere from 24 hours and 14 days after being bitten, depending on the type of illness.

• The body can become infected very quickly. Visit your doctor as soon as you notice any infection-related symptoms. Antibiotics may be required orally or intravenously.

• If your doctor gives you antibiotics, you'll likely need to take them for one to two weeks. Even if the infection seems to fully go, keep taking your prescription.

Dog Bite Infection Symptoms

• Blisters around the bite wound within hours of the bite

• Redness, swelling, draining pus, or pain at the bite wound

• Fever

• Diarrhea and/or stomach pain

• Vomiting

• Headache and/or confusion

• Muscle or joint pain