What Should I Do If I’m Bitten By a Dog?

If you have been bitten by a dog and the wound is serious or bleeding heavily, seek medical attention immediately by calling 911 or going to the emergency room. Even if the bite does not appear to be serious, it is still important to have a healthcare provider examine it to check for infection and ensure proper wound care. 

It is also very important to contact your local animal control services agency to report the incident whether or not you know who the dog owner is.

To clean the wound, rinse it with warm water and soap to remove any dirt or debris, being careful not to scrub the wound as this may cause further damage.

Cover the bite wound with a clean, sterile bandage to help prevent infection and elevate the limb if the bite is on an arm or leg to reduce swelling. 

If the bite was from a dog you know, try to contact the owner to report the bite and discuss any potential rabies exposure.

If the dog was a stray or you do not know the owner, contact your local animal control agency to report the bite and find out if there have been any previous reports of bites or aggression from the dog. 

It is also helpful to gather information such as the location, time, and circumstances of the bite and the contact information of any witnesses.

If the bite was serious and resulted in significant injuries, you may want to consider consulting with a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options.

Contact Isaacs & Issacs for a free consultation with a dog bite lawyer.