Whether it’s a roaming stray or a neighbor's pet, getting bitten by a dog can have serious consequences. Immediately after the incident, it's essential to seek medical attention to prevent infection and permanent damage. While a personal injury attorney can help you recoup the costs, here are a few additional steps you can take on your own to minimize your risk of further complications.

3 Steps to Follow After a Dog Bite

1. Wash the Wound

Canines can carry a wide range of germs, such as MRSA and salmonella. Many microorganisms are spread to humans by their saliva, such as capnocytophaga, increasing the risk of transmission via a bite. Simply touching an unknown animal can also potentially expose you to bacteria, viruses, and parasites. 

If any of these germs get into your blood system, they could lead to serious health repercussions. For that reason, it’s important to clean the wound as soon as possible after the attack. Rinse the area with warm water and antibacterial soap for around five minutes to thoroughly clean it out. 

2. Apply Pressure

More severe dog bites can lead to significant blood loss if the wound is not treated promptly. To avoid more dangerous outcomes, it’s important to apply pressure to the wound for at least 5 to 10 minutes. This process helps your blood clot, which stops the bleeding. However, if the wound is very deep or has produced a significant amount of blood loss right away, contact an ambulance for immediate assistance. 

3. Determine Rabies Status

Rabies is a serious viral disease that can spread through the saliva of an infected animal to a human. If the dog that bit you is up-to-date on their vaccines, then transmission of the virus is unlikely. However, if they’re not, you will likely have to undergo a four-dose rabies treatment to avoid contracting the disease. 

As such, it’s important to contact the owner if you know where the dog is from to find out if they’re vaccinated. Write down their name, phone number, and veterinarian information to verify the details and determine their vaccination status. You can also provide this information to your personal injury attorney when it’s time to file a claim for medical expenses. 

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, contact the attorneys at Stanley & Associates, PLLC to review your legal options. The local firm offers dependable representation to residents throughout Plano, TX, for all matters of personal injury law. From car accidents to dog bites, the team is committed to fighting for the rights of their clients. Review their case experience online, and request a consultation with a personal injury attorney today at (214) 570-4944.