Due to the humanization of dogs, we often forget that dogs are actual animals with animal instincts. Dog bites can happen to anyone, even those who love dogs and are familiar with their behavior.
While some dog bites may be minor, others can be severe and require immediate medical attention. Dog bites are a serious concern because they can lead to severe injuries, infections, and even death.
Millions of people are bitten by dogs each year, and approximately 20% of these individuals require medical attention.
‘There was an 86% increase in dog bite-related hospitalization stays between 1993 and 2008 in the United States.’
DogsBite.org
So this is actually a big problem and in this article, I will provide a comprehensive guide on what to do if you are bitten by a dog. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how to handle a dog bite situation and protect yourself and others from future incidents.
Why Dogs Bite?
Dogs are animals with their own set of instincts and behaviors, which can sometimes include biting. There are several reasons why a dog may bite a person or another animal.
Fear or feeling threatened: If a dog feels scared or perceives a threat to their safety, they may react with aggression and bite as a means of self-defense. For example, if a dog feels cornered or trapped, they may bite in an attempt to escape.
Pain or discomfort: If a dog is in pain or experiencing discomfort, they may lash out with a bite as a means of communicating their discomfort or protecting the affected area. The aggression of cavalier king charles spaniels often stems from this reason, they are in pain.
Territorial behavior can also be a cause of dog bites. Dogs are naturally territorial animals, and they may perceive people or animals as threats to their territory or belongings. For example, a dog may bite a stranger who enters their owner’s property as a means of protecting their home.
Lack of socialization and training can cause dogs to be more prone to biting. A dog that has not been properly socialized may be more fearful and reactive to new people or situations, which could lead to biting. Also, a dog that has not been trained to obey commands or respect boundaries may be more likely to bite in certain situations.
It’s important to note that even the friendliest and most well-trained dogs may bite in certain situations. As such, it’s crucial to always approach dogs with caution and respect, and to avoid actions or behaviors that could be perceived as threatening or aggressive!
Understanding a Dog’s Body Language and Recognizing the Signs of Aggression
Understanding a dog’s body language is important in recognizing when a dog may be feeling threatened or aggressive.
Here are some key body language cues to look out for:
- Stiff body: A dog with a stiff, rigid body may be feeling tense or scared, and may be preparing to bite.
- Showing teeth: A dog that is showing its teeth may be warning that it is feeling threatened or aggressive.
- Raised ears: A dog that has its ears raised and forward may be feeling alert or aggressive.
- Growling or snarling: Growling or snarling are clear signs that a dog is feeling threatened or aggressive, and may be preparing to bite.
- Raised hackles: Raised hackles along a dog’s spine are a clear sign of heightened arousal or aggression.
- Direct eye contact: A dog that maintains direct eye contact may be signaling aggression or dominance.
- Tail position: A dog that holds its tail stiff and high may be feeling dominant or aggressive, while a dog that tucks its tail between its legs may be feeling scared or submissive.
If you observe any of these body language cues in a dog, it’s important to approach with caution and give the dog space.
Avoid direct eye contact or sudden movements that may be perceived as threatening. Remember, even if the dog appears friendly or belongs to someone you know, it’s important to always approach dogs with caution and respect.
If the dog is exhibiting clear signs of aggression, it’s best to give it a wide berth and contact animal control or a professional dog trainer for assistance.
What to Do If You’ve Got Bitten
If you are bitten by a dog, it is important to take immediate action to prevent infection and receive proper medical care.
It is also important to report the incident to animal control or the police and obtain information from the dog’s owner.
If the bite was severe or resulted in significant medical bills or lost wages, you may want to consider seeking legal assistance.
Each day, nearly 1,000 persons are treated in hospital emergency departments for nonfatal dog bite-related injuries.
DogsBite.org
Assessing the Bite
Assessing a dog bite involves evaluating the severity of the wound and determining if medical attention is necessary. When assessing a dog bite, it’s important to first clean the wound with soap and water to remove any dirt or debris.
Consider the circumstances surrounding the bite, such as the breed of dog, whether or not the dog was vaccinated, and the severity of the bite.
This information can be helpful when seeking medical treatment and reporting the incident to animal control.
Treating a Dog Bite
Once the wound is clean, observe it closely to assess its size, depth, and location. If the wound is deep or located near a joint, for example, it may require medical attention.
Look for any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge from the wound, and seek medical attention immediately if you notice any of these signs.
Dogs’ mouths are full of bacteria, some of which can cause infection if they enter the wound. When a dog bites, their teeth sink into the skin and cause damage to the surrounding tissue, creating an entry point for bacteria.
First Aid Steps For a Dog Bite
If you or someone else has been bitten by a dog, it’s important to take the following first aid steps:
- Stop the bleeding: If the bite is bleeding, apply pressure to the wound with a clean, dry cloth or bandage until the bleeding stops.
- Clean the wound: Once the bleeding has stopped, clean the wound with soap and warm water to remove any dirt or debris. Rinse the wound thoroughly and pat it dry with a clean, dry cloth.
- Monitor the wound: Check the wound regularly for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or pus. If you notice any of these signs, seek medical attention immediately.
- Elevate the affected area: If the bite is on a limb, elevate the affected area to help reduce swelling and pain.
- Take pain medication: If the bite is painful, you can take over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help relieve the pain.
Remember that even minor bites can become infected if not properly treated, and more severe bites can lead to serious medical complications. If you have any doubts about the severity of the bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
What Happens if a Dog Bite Goes Untreated?
If a dog bite goes untreated, it can lead to several serious complications including:
- Infection: Dog bites can introduce harmful bacteria into the body, which can lead to infection. If left untreated, an infected bite can spread to other parts of the body and cause serious health problems.
- Nerve and tissue damage: Depending on the severity and location of the bite, there is a risk of nerve and tissue damage. If left untreated, this damage can lead to chronic pain, numbness, and difficulty using the affected body part.
- Tetanus: Tetanus is a bacterial infection that can develop from a deep dog bite. If left untreated, tetanus can cause muscle stiffness and spasms, which can be life-threatening.
- Rabies: If the dog that bit you was not vaccinated against rabies or its vaccination status is unknown, there is a risk of contracting the deadly virus. Without prompt treatment, rabies can be fatal.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Even minor dog bites can leave permanent scars or disfigurement. Without proper treatment, the wound may not heal properly and may lead to long-term cosmetic issues.
An untreated dog bite can also cause psychological distress, such as anxiety or a fear of dogs. It’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you have been bitten by a dog, even if the wound appears minor.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
Experiencing a dog bite can be a traumatic event that may leave emotional scars. Coping with the trauma of a dog bite can be challenging, but there are several strategies that can be helpful.
Seeking support from friends and family and talking about your experience can help you process your feelings and emotions. Consider seeking professional help from a therapist or counselor who can help you work through your feelings.
Educating yourself about dog behavior and body language can help you better understand how to avoid dangerous situations with dogs in the future.
It’s important to remember that healing from a traumatic experience takes time and patience, and seeking help if needed is always encouraged. With time and the right support, it’s possible to recover from the trauma of a dog bite.
When to Get Professional Help?
Dogs are a big part of our society and it is hard to navigate in daily life with the fear of dogs. If you have experienced a dog bite and are struggling with trauma or emotional distress as a result, it’s important to seek help.
Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It’s important to take care of your mental health and seek the help you need to cope with the trauma of a dog bite.
Your doctor can evaluate your injury and refer you to a mental health professional if needed. A mental health professional, such as a therapist or counselor, can help you work through your feelings and emotions related to the dog bite.
Legal and Financial Considerations
Once you are bitten by a dog, you may incur significant medical expenses for treatment, which can be costly, and you may also experience lost income if your injuries prevent you from working.
Consulting with an attorney can also be helpful in understanding your legal options and pursuing compensation for your injuries.
If the owner of the dog has homeowner’s insurance, their policy may cover the costs of your medical treatment and other expenses related to the dog bite.
Homeowners insurers paid out $1,136 million in liability claims related to dog bites and other dog-related injuries in United States (2022).
Insurance Information Institute
In some cases, it may be necessary to report the dog bite to local authorities. Seeking medical attention right away and keeping track of all expenses related to your treatment and recovery is important.
Can I Sue the Dog Owner If I Am Bitten?
Yes, you may be able to sue the dog owner if you are bitten by their dog. Dog owners have a legal responsibility to prevent their dogs from causing harm to others, and if their dog bites someone, they may be liable for the resulting injuries and damages.
The specifics of dog bite liability laws can vary by country, but in general, if you have been bitten by a dog and believe that the owner was negligent in preventing the incident, you may wish to consult with an attorney to determine whether you have a case for pursuing compensation.
How to Document the Incident
If you have been bitten by a dog, it is important to document the incident in order to protect your legal rights and potentially pursue compensation for your injuries.
- This can involve taking photos of your injuries and any physical evidence
- identifying the dog and its owner
- gathering witness information
- seeking medical treatment and keeping records
- reporting the incident to local authorities
- keeping a detailed journal of the incident
By documenting the incident as thoroughly as possible, you can help build a strong case if you decide to pursue legal action and recover damages for your injuries.
Can a Dog Be Put Down For Biting Someone?
In some cases, if a dog has a history of aggressive behavior or has caused serious injury or death, it may be deemed a danger to society and euthanized as a result.
Whether a dog can be put down for biting someone depends on the specific circumstances of the incident and the laws in the jurisdiction where it occurred.
Prevention
If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog, it’s important to take steps to prevent it from happening again in the future.
To avoid dogs you don’t know, give them plenty of space and avoid making direct eye contact. Always ask the dog owner’s permission before approaching or petting a dog, as some dogs may not like being touched by strangers.
Learn to recognize the warning signs that a dog may be feeling threatened or aggressive, such as growling, baring teeth, or stiffening up.
It’s important to give dogs space when they are sleeping, eating, or caring for their young, as they can be protective of their resources.
Children should be taught how to behave around dogs, including not approaching them without permission, not pulling on their tails or ears, and not running away from them. By taking these steps, you can help prevent future dog bites and keep yourself and others safe around dogs.
Conclusion
Getting bitten by a dog can be a traumatic and potentially dangerous experience.
By understanding dog behavior, assessing the severity of the bite, seeking medical attention, and taking legal and financial considerations into account, you can respond appropriately and minimize the potential harm.
Additionally, taking steps to prevent future incidents by understanding dog behavior and training, approaching dogs safely, and educating others can help ensure that everyone stays safe.
Remember, if you do get bitten by a dog, it is important to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and seek appropriate medical attention.
