TL;DR
Dog bites can range from minor scratches to life-threatening injuries. Wash the wound immediately with soap and water, stop the bleeding with direct pressure, apply antibiotic ointment, and cover the wound with a clean bandage. Call 911 for severe bleeding, major tissue damage, bites to the neck or chest, or signs of shock. Seek medical care for deep puncture wounds, bites to the hands or face, any signs of infection, if the dog has not been vaccinated, or if the vaccination status is unknown. Early treatment can prevent infection and serious complications.
Dog Bites: A Common Occurrence
Dogs are the number one pet in the United States. Over 65 million households have at least one dog. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are approximately 4.5 million dog bites reported annually, with nearly 1 million requiring medical attention. Even friendly dogs can bite when frightened, injured, protecting food, or startled.
Most dog bites are minor and can initially be treated at home, but some injuries require emergency care because of severe bleeding, nerve or tendon damage, or the risk of infection.
Knowing how to provide proper first aid and when to seek medical care can reduce complications and improve healing.
Determine the Severity of the Bite
The first step is determining whether the bite is minor or serious.
Minor Dog Bite
A bite is generally considered minor if:
- The skin is lightly broken or scratched.
- No jagged tears in skin.
- Bleeding is minimal and stops quickly.
- The wound is small and shallow.
- The victim can move the injured body part normally.
These injuries can usually be cleaned and treated at home, although some still require evaluation by a healthcare provider.
Moderate Dog Bite
A bite may require prompt medical attention if:
- The puncture wounds are deep.
- Bleeding continues for more than 10 minutes after applying gentle pressure.
- There is significant swelling or bruising.
- Hands, face, feet, or genitals have been injured.
- Muscles, tendons, or joints are damaged.
- The victim has other medical issues.
Severe Dog Bite
Call 911 and activate EMS immediately if:
- Bleeding cannot be controlled after 10–15 minutes of firm pressure.
- Blood is spurting or soaking through dressings rapidly.
- The victim is unconscious or unresponsive.
- Large sections of skin or tissue have been torn away.
- A bone is visible or appears broken.
- The victim cannot move fingers, toes, or a limb.
- The bite is to the neck, throat, or chest.
- There are multiple severe bite wounds.
- The victim develops signs of shock, pale skin, rapid breathing, confusion, or fainting.
These injuries require immediate emergency treatment.
First Aid for Dog Bites
If the injury is not life-threatening, begin first aid as soon as possible.
Step 1: Wash Your Hands
If available, wash your hands with soap and water and wear non-latex disposable gloves if available.
Step 2: Stop the Bleeding
Apply firm, direct pressure for several minutes while using gauze or a clean cloth as a dressing. If blood soaks through, place another dressing on top rather than removing the first.
If bleeding does not stop, call 911 and activate EMS.
Step 3: Clean the Wound Thoroughly
Cleaning is one of the most important steps because dog bites carry bacteria deep into the skin.
- Wash the wound gently with soap and lukewarm running water for at least 5 minutes.
- Allow water to flush out dirt and bacteria.
- Do not scrub aggressively, as this may damage tissue.
Step 4: Apply Antibiotic Ointment
If the wound is minor, apply a thin layer of over-the-counter antibiotic ointment unless instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider.
Step 5: Cover the Wound
Place a sterile bandage over the injury. Change the bandage daily or whenever it becomes wet or dirty.
Step 6: Reduce Swelling
Elevate the injured area if possible.
Applying a cold pack wrapped in a towel for 15–20 minutes at a time may help reduce pain and swelling.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Even if the bite appears minor, medical evaluation is recommended if:
- The wound is deep or difficult to clean.
- The bite is on the face, hands, feet, or near a joint.
- The wound is jagged or doesn’t close.
- You cannot fully move the injured area.
- The dog was acting strangely.
- The dog’s vaccination status is unknown.
- You have not had a tetanus booster within the past 5–10 years (depending on the type of wound and your vaccination history).
- You have diabetes or a weakened immune system.
Healthcare providers may recommend stitches, antibiotics, tetanus vaccination, or additional treatment.
Risk of Infection
A dog’s mouth may contain many different bacteria. Even small puncture wounds can trap bacteria beneath the skin and lead to an infection. Some infections can become serious if left untreated.
Look for signs of an infection, such as:
- Increasing redness
- Swelling
- Pink area around the wound getting larger
- Warmth around the wound
- Increasing pain
- Pus or drainage
- Fever
- Red streaks moving away from the wound
- Swollen lymph nodes
If any of these symptoms develop, seek medical attention promptly.
Risk of Rabies
Rabies is rare in domestic dogs in the United States because of widespread vaccination programs, but it remains a medical emergency whenever exposure is possible.
Rabies risk depends on:
- Whether the dog is vaccinated
- Whether the animal is available for observation
- Local rabies activity
- Whether the animal was wild or stray
Seek medical care immediately if:
- The dog cannot be located.
- The dog is behaving abnormally.
- The dog appears sick.
- The bite came from a stray or wild animal.
- Local health officials recommend rabies treatment.
Treatment is highly effective when started promptly. Never wait until symptoms develop.
Special Considerations for Children
Children suffer a higher percentage of serious dog bites. Smaller children are more likely to be bitten in the face or neck area. They also don’t understand when a dog is threatening or wants to be left alone.
Any bite to a child’s face or head should receive immediate medical evaluation. Since dog bites cause jagged tears and punctures, they are more likely to scar than a cut from a sharp object.
Preventing Dog Bites
Many bites can be prevented.
Reduce your risk by following some common-sense rules:
- Use caution when approaching unfamiliar dogs.
- Ask permission before petting someone else’s dog.
- Avoid dogs that are eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies.
- Teach children not to pull tails or ears.
- Never reach between fighting dogs.
- Allow frightened or injured dogs extra space.
Understanding canine body language such as growling, baring teeth, stiff posture, raised fur and pointed ears can help prevent bites before they happen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol?
Hydrogen peroxide has been the go-to for cleaning minor wounds for many years. However, recent studies have shown that it can impair the natural healing process by destroying good tissue as well. Routine use of hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol is generally not recommended because they can both damage healthy tissue and slow healing. Soap and clean running water are usually the best choice for cleaning a fresh wound.
Should every dog bite receive antibiotics?
No. Many minor bites heal without the use of antibiotics. But bites involving the hands, deep punctures, crush injuries, or high-risk individuals can require preventive antibiotics. A healthcare provider can determine whether they are appropriate.
Can a small bite become serious?
Yes, open wounds provide a pathway for bacteria and viruses to enter the bloodstream. Any injury that breaks the skin has the potential to become serious, but a dog bite is more likely to contain pathogens that can cause a serious infection. In addition, the nature of a dog bite is more likely to trap bacteria beneath the skin.
Final Thoughts
Most dog bites are not serious and do not require a trip to the doctor, but it is essential to assess the severity and provide first aid quickly. Thoroughly cleaning the wound, controlling the bleeding, and watching for signs of infection are essential first-aid steps. Seek emergency care for severe bleeding or major injuries, and consult a healthcare provider whenever the wound is deep, becomes infected, involves high-risk areas, or you are concerned about tetanus or rabies.
Quick action after a dog bite can reduce complications.