Essential First Aid Tips After a Dog Bite

By Sushant Agarwal

Published on | Aug 19, 2025

Stay Calm and Assess

Take a deep breath and quickly assess the bite. Calm yourself to act efficiently and avoid worsening the situation.

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Clean the Wound

Wash the bite thoroughly with running water and mild soap for at least 15 minutes to reduce infection risk.

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Stop Bleeding

Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or sterile gauze. Elevate the area if bleeding is heavy.

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Apply Antiseptic

After cleaning, apply an antiseptic cream or solution to prevent bacterial infection.

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Watch for Signs of Infection

Redness, swelling, pus, or increasing pain may indicate infection. Seek medical attention immediately.

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Seek Medical Attention

Visit a doctor for tetanus shots or rabies vaccination, especially if the dog’s vaccination status is unknown.

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Document the Bite

Note the time, location, and description of the dog. This helps authorities and doctors in case of rabies risk.

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Follow Up & Care

Keep the wound clean, change dressings regularly, and follow the doctor’s advice until fully healed.

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