Dogs are not always man’s best friend! Dog bites can produce nasty injuries, especially in young children and babies. As well as the obvious injury caused, dog bites carry an extra risk from infection. One of the most well-known diseases carried by dogs is rabies, carried in infected animals’ saliva. You can learn more about Rabies from the World Health Organization.

First aid for a dog bite

You can treat a dog bite by following the simple first aid advice below.

Step 1: Using clean water (with soap/an antiseptic product if possible) wash the wound thoroughly. Make sure to clean the area around the wound as well.

Step 2: Cover the wound with a sterile wound dressing. If the bleeding is severe, apply direct pressure and call for an ambulance.

Step 3: If there is a risk of infection (ie, you are in a rabies risk area) or the wound appear serious, then seek medical advice immediately. The casualty may require an injection to protect them from the rabies virus.

If you are concerned about rabies, you can find a map of areas at risk online. 

If you are concerned that the dog may still be in the vicinity and poses a danger to yourself then call the police immediately. Do not try to capture or calm the dog down, as this may result in further injury to yourself or others.

The advice above can also apply to any animal / human bites, not just dogs.