Even friendly dogs can be startled. A loud noise, a sudden movement or a tug on a toy can trigger a quick reaction. If you or someone you know has been bitten, you know how fast it happens.
Most dog bites cause minor injuries. But any dog bite can break the skin. This allows bacteria to enter the body and cause infection. What you do in the first 10 to 15 minutes is very important.
Here’s what to do after a dog bite, how to wash the wound properly, how to lower your chance of infection and when you need medical care.
Step 1: Stay calm and move to safety
When a dog bites you, your body reacts immediately. Your heart beats faster, adrenaline kicks in and you might not even feel pain at first.
Take a slow breath. Move away from the dog and make sure you and others are safe.
“Even a small to moderate dog bite can be very painful because of how it tears and crushes the skin," said Dr. Jasjot Johar, an emergency medicine specialist with Banner Health. “Stay calm, assess the wound, ask for help if needed and take action.”
If you can, find the dog and its owner. Ask if the dog has a rabies shot. If you don’t know, don’t worry. A health care provider can help you decide what to do next.
Step 2: Wash the wound immediately
“One of the most common mistakes people make is not washing the wound right away or not washing it long enough,” Dr. Johar said. “Bacteria trapped inside the wound can cause infection.”
Wash the wound with regular soap and clean, running water for 10 to 15 minutes. Let the water flow directly into the wound. This helps flush out bacteria, dirt and saliva.
Avoid using hydrogen peroxide and rubbing alcohol. They kill bacteria but can also damage healthy tissue. This can slow down healing and cause more scarring.
Step 3: Control bleeding
After washing the wound, check if it is bleeding. Use a clean cloth or sterile gauze to press down firmly. Most small dog bites will stop bleeding within a few minutes.
Get emergency help right away if:
- Bleeding doesn’t stop after several minutes of firm pressure
- Blood is gushing out
- The wound is very deep
- You can see muscle, bone or fat
Severe bleeding may indicate that a vein or artery is damaged and requires immediate medical attention.
Step 4: Decide if you can treat the dog bite at home
Many people wonder if they can treat a dog bite at home.
You might be able to take care of it yourself if:
- The bite is small and shallow
- Bleeding stops quickly
- The skin around the bite isn't widely separated
- You can clean the wound well
- The bite isn't on your face, hands, feet or near joints
Home care tips:
- Put a thin layer of antibiotic ointment on the wound
- Cover it with a clean bandage
- Change the bandage every day or sooner if it gets wet or dirty
- Wash the wound once a day with soap and water
- Do not seal the wound tightly
“I often see people try to close the wound at home,” Dr. Johar said. “They tape it shut or wrap it tightly. Getting it cleaned out is more important. We often leave dog bites open to help prevent infection.”
When to seek urgent care or emergency care
- The wound is deep or large
- Bleeding won’t stop
- You can’t clean it thoroughly
- You feel numbness or have trouble moving the area
- The bite is on your face, hands, feet or near a joint
- The dog was a stray, wild or acting strangely
- You’re unsure if the dog is vaccinated against rabies
"Bites on the hands and face are more dangerous," Dr. Johar said. “The hands have many small parts close together. Infection can spread fast and cause serious harm. Bites on the face might need stitches for both healing and cosmetic reasons.”
A medical provider can decide if you need:
- Stitches
- Antibiotics
- A tetanus shot
- Rabies treatment
Watch for signs of infection
Even if a bite looks mild at first, infection can happen within 24 to 48 hours.
Signs of infection include:
- Increasing redness
- Swelling
- Warmth around the bite
- Pus or cloudy drainage
- Red streaks spreading from the bite
- Fever
- Increasing pain
If you see these signs, don't wait. Early treatment can prevent serious complications.
[Also read: How Do I Know If My Wound Is Healing Correctly?]
Do I need a tetanus shot?
Tetanus is rare but very serious. The bacteria that cause tetanus live in soil and dirt. They can get into your body through small cuts or scrapes.
“People often think of stepping on a rusty nail,” Dr. Johar said. “But everyday cuts can also cause tetanus. The bacteria are all around us.”
Adults should get a tetanus shot every 10 years. If you have a wound and it’s been more than five years since your last shot, your health care provider might suggest getting another dose. If you don’t remember your vaccination history, your provider can check your records and guide you.
Do I need a rabies shot?
Rabies is rare in domesticated dogs in the United States but once symptoms appear, it is almost always deadly. The last time a dog passed rabies to a person in the U.S. was in the 1990s.
Vaccination programs have been highly effective. Today, most rabies cases in the U.S. come from bats.
If you need treatment, you will get rabies immunoglobulin as soon as possible. You will also receive a rabies vaccine series of four shots over two weeks.
If the dog can be observed and its vaccination status is known, treatment might not start right away. Your provider may ask animal control to help make that decision.
Dog bites versus cat and human bites
Dog bites happen more often but bites from cats and humans are more likely to cause infections.
“Cat bites are different,” Dr. Johar said. “Cats have long, thin teeth that act like needles. They push bacteria deep into the skin. These bites may look small but have a higher chance of causing infection.”
Bites from humans can be even more serious. The mouth has many bacteria that don't cause problems there but can cause infections inside the skin.
Bites to the hand, especially when someone punches another person’s teeth, are very concerning. They may look minor but can lead to serious infections.
If you get bitten by a cat or a human, get treatment even if the cut looks small.
[Also read: Tips for Treating Puncture Wounds]
How to reduce the risk of dog bites
You cannot eliminate all risk, but you can reduce it.
If you see a loose or stray dog, don't go near it. Even friendly body language can feel threatening to a scared animal. Instead, contact animal control.
If you have a dog:
- Socialize your dog early and often
- Use a leash in new places
- Learn your dog’s body language
- Watch for signs of fear or stress
Growling, stiff posture, pinned ears or avoidance can mean the dog is uncomfortable. Give the dog space to avoid a bite.
Teach children safe dog behavior
Children are more likely to get bitten by dogs. Many bites happen during play. Dr. Johar said that many accidental bites happen when a child and a dog try to play with the same toy.
Teach your child to:
- Ask permission before petting a dog
- Approach the dog slowly
- Not hug tightly or climb on the dog
- Let dogs eat and sleep without being bothered
If an unfamiliar dog comes near, teach your child to:
- Stay still
- Avoid eye contact
- Keep hands at their side
- Speak calmly
- Slowly walk away
Never leave a child alone with an unfamiliar dog.
Bottom line
Dogs bring comfort, loyalty and happiness to millions of families. But safety should always come first.
If a dog bites, clean the wound right away and seek medical care when needed. Watch for signs of infection. Make sure your dog's vaccines are up to date.
If you don’t know what to do, contact your health care provider or visit urgent care. Getting checked early can help prevent bigger problems later.
