Getting bitten by a dog is one of those moments that catches you completely off guard. One minute you’re fine and the next you’re left in pain, shaken up, and unsure of what to do. It can feel scary and overwhelming, but acting quickly is the best way to protect yourself and avoid things getting worse. The first few steps are simple but important, and knowing them in advance means you won’t freeze if it ever happens.

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Clean the wound

The very first thing you need to do is get the bite clean. Don’t wait around or think you’ll sort it later. Use warm running water and a mild soap and really flush out the wound, even if it’s uncomfortable. Dog bites can carry bacteria that set in fast, so this step is about lowering the chance of infection from the start. Once you’ve cleaned it, dry the area with something clean like a towel or gauze. Skipping this bit is what gets people into trouble later, so no matter how small the bite looks, wash it straight away.

Control the bleeding

If the bite has broken the skin and blood is flowing, you’ll need to deal with that next. Grab a clean cloth or a sterile bandage if you’ve got one and press down gently but firmly. Most small punctures will stop on their own, but deeper wounds can bleed more than you expect. Lifting the injured area above your heart can also help slow things down. The aim is to steady the bleeding without pressing so hard that you make the injury worse. Take your time with this step and don’t panic if it takes a few minutes.

Get checked by a doctor

Even if the wound doesn’t look too bad, it’s smart to get medical attention. Dog bites can carry bacteria that cause serious infections, and a doctor can tell you if you need antibiotics, stitches, or a tetanus booster. If you don’t know the dog’s vaccination status, that’s another reason not to ignore it. A quick check-up can save you from bigger problems later, so don’t shrug it off just because you think it’s “only a small bite.”

Think about legalities

If the bite came from someone else’s dog, you might find yourself dealing with costs or time off work. In situations like that, speaking with a personal injury lawyer can be useful. They’ll explain what your options are and help you figure out the next step if the situation is serious. It’s not something everyone will need, but it’s better to know what kind of support is available than to be left wondering later.

Watch for infection

Cleaning the wound once isn’t the end of it. Over the next few days, you’ll want to keep checking it for any signs that something isn’t right. If the area becomes red, swollen, hot, or starts leaking fluid, that’s usually a sign of infection. If you notice any of these changes, get back to the doctor quickly. Infections don’t always look dramatic at first, but they can get worse fast, and the sooner you catch them the easier they are to treat.