As much as we don’t want to acknowledge it, even the best furry friend can get a little carried away at times. If your dog bites you, what are you supposed to do, and how are you supposed to know if you need medical care?

Our AFC Urgent Care Bronx Webster Ave. team provides some answers below.

What Are The First Steps I Should Take After a Dog Bite?

Even if you don’t think the bite is that serious, it’s still best to seek medical attention if you’ve been bitten by a dog as the number one concern with dog and other animal bites is an infection.

Before you make your way to our AFC center for the treatment you need, though, it’s important to know the necessary first-aid steps to take to keep your wound under control. We’ve listed them below.

Steps to Treat a Dog Bite

• Wash the wound. Use mild soap, and run warm tap water over it for five to 10 minutes.
• Slow the bleeding with a clean cloth.
• Apply over-the-counter antibiotic cream if you have it.
• Wrap the wound in a sterile bandage.
• Keep the wound bandaged and see your doctor.
• Change the bandage several times a day once your doctor has examined the wound.
• Watch for signs of infection, including redness, swelling, increased pain and fever.

What Info Will My Doctor Want to Know?

Your doctor will want to know more about the dog that bit you and how it happened. If you don’t know the dog that bit you or the dog’s medical history, rabies is much more of a concern than among a dog that you know and a dog that is up-to-date on its shots.

Also, depending on the wound, your doctor may recommend stitches, but those aren’t usually necessary unless the bite is on the face or another particularly vulnerable area. We’ve listed some common signs of infection to be on the lookout for below.

Common Signs of Infection

• Localized redness around your wound
• Warmth around the bite area
• Red streaks leading away from the bite
• A fever
• Pus
• Swelling
• Pain

Have you been bitten by a dog and you aren’t sure what to do? Don’t hesitate to visit our AFC Urgent Care Bronx Webster Ave. center today to get the care you need!