Prevention and Treatment of Dog Bites
Our pets are curious. They use their mouths to experience the world around them, whether that means catching mice, fetching tennis balls, eating food, or biting people. Yes, your dog may be super sweet and friendly, but they can still bite suddenly.
Dogs’ mouths are full of saliva that contains bacteria. When a dog causes you or someone you love to suffer a bite wound, the results can be disastrous. A bite can be a minor grazing of the skin or it can be a deep puncture wound that draws blood. You need to act quickly to avoid infection and damage to tissue.
Why Do Dogs Bite?
As a dog owner, it’s important to know why dogs bite. Dogs commonly bite as a reaction to something. If a dog is stressed out, it may bite to defend itself or its territory. Dogs can bite because they are scared of something or feel threatened. They may also bite to protect something that is valuable to them, like their puppies, their food or a toy.
Dogs might bite someone who touches them while they are sick or injured. They may be in pain and want to be left alone. Puppies tend to nip and bite during play. Your puppy may think nothing of this, but it can be dangerous. It’s a good idea to avoid wrestling or playing tug-of-war with your dog, as these types of activities can make your dog excited and cause them to bite.
Dog Bite Treatment
For a minor bite that barely breaks the skin, you can easily clean the area with soap and water. Once the skin is dry, apply an antibiotic cream, and cover the wound with a bandage.
If the bite tears the skin and causes bleeding, use a dry cloth to apply pressure to the area until the bleeding stops. You should then see a doctor immediately, as you may need stitches, antibiotics, or even surgery. A tetanus booster is also a good idea.
Do the best you can to clean deep puncture wounds. These can be tricky to treat, so make sure they are assessed by a doctor. Infection is a common concern. Signs of infection include redness, pain at the bite site, swelling, and oozing. See a doctor if you notice any of these symptoms, as you may need antibiotics. An infection can quickly spread and cause serious medical issues. A deep wound can also lead to scarring.
Contact a New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyer Today
Our pets can bite suddenly, causing injuries to members of the household as well as friends, family, and neighbors. When this happens, you need to act quickly to get prompt medical treatment and avoid infections and debilitating injuries.
A Morristown dog bite injury attorney from The Law Offices of Michael P. Burakoff can assist you after you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury. We can also advise you of your legal options. To schedule a free consultation, call (973) 455-1567 or fill out the online form.
Source:
yahoo.com/lifestyle/treating-preventing-pet-bites-193843259.html
