What should you do after a dog bite?

Firm News On Friday, October 13, 2017

It is easy to think your dog will not bite someone because he is well-trained. Because of this, you may not know what to do if you find yourself in this situation. However, dog bites can have serious consequences in Connecticut. It is best for both you and your dog if you are prepared for this situation before it occurs.

Not only is a bite from a dog in Connecticut painful, but it can also be psychologically traumatic and expose you to certain diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control, a bite from a dog requires immediate attention, but your response may vary based on the depth or severity of the resulting wound.  A wound is serious if it involves exposed bones or muscles, causes extreme pain or loss of function or if the bleeding from the wound is uncontrollable. You should also see a health care provider as soon as possible for a wound that extends deeply into the tissues, especially if you have not received a tetanus shot within the last five years or there is uncertainty over whether the dog that bit you was current on its rabies vaccination.

The immediate aftermath of a dog bite may sometimes seem confusing. According to CanineJournal.com, you should make sure the person who has been bitten sees a doctor. Even if someone says they are not badly hurt and do not need a doctor, you should usually still make sure this person receives medical attention. Additionally, it is a good idea to ask if you can pay for any medical treatment the person needs.

After the bite occurs, you may be tempted to argue with the other person about what provoked the bite. It is important to be calm, though, as you do not want your dog to see you are stressed and think he needs to protect you. You should also make sure that you and the other person exchange contact information. This allows you to contact the person later in the week to see how he or she is doing.

Sometimes if someone tries to mug you, your dog may bite someone because he is trying to protect you. When this is the case, you should usually make sure you contact emergency services. Although you may be tempted to call immediately after the bite occurs, it is usually best to leave so both you and your dog are safe.

request your free consultation
*FIELD REQUIRED
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.