What to do if your dog bites someone
We don’t like to think about it, but as responsible dog owners we need to. What should we do if our dog bits someone?
The U.S. Center for Disease Control estimates that there are approximately 4.5 million dog bites a year (based on a recorded 75 million dogs living in the U.S.) and that approximately 880,000 people that are bit seek emergency room treatment each year. However, no accurate numbers are available because there are so many variables such as:
- What is considered a dog bite?
- Unlicensed animals are difficult to count.
- Not everyone reports a dog bite.
Animal control and public health departments classify all these as dog “bites*”
Nips from playful puppies
Scratches from a dog’s nail
Scrapes from a dog’s tooth
Accidental bites by dogs
Bites to canine professionals that may have occurred under extreme duress, such as when the dog was in pain or otherwise unable to control its behavior (e.g. a vet tech bitten while removing intubation tube from a dog’s throat)
Good Samaritans bitten trying to assist injured dogs (e.g. dogs hit by cars)
Bites by working K-9 dogs in the performance of police duties
The U.S. Post Office in very concerned with the number of dog bites which may occur each year, however, according to their reports the numbers are actually decreasing, from 7,000 in 1984 to approximately 3000 in 2009.* (Dog bites to mail carriers only).
According to a lawsuit, in December 2009 Janet Harris a frequent “expert” guest on the Dr. Phil show was allegedly bitten by Dr. Phil and Robin McGraw’s Korean Jindo, Maggie. She alleges that as a result of not handling the bite correctly it has caused her pain and suffering and loss of wages. She bandaged it and was prescribed antibiotics. The next day her arm was swollen and after seeking treatment she was diagnosed with pastuerella multocida, the most common cause of infection from animal injuries. (Although common, this disease can be life-threatening; it can infect the respiratory tract and even cause meningitis.) Her injuries escalated as she developed a hyper sensitivity to the antibiotics, and developing cellulitis. According to RadarOnline, Maggie the Jindo (a dog that is well known for its unwavering loyalty and gentle nature) hasn’t yet been reprimanded, even though there have been former victims. Maggie has attacked on four separate occasions and there are at least two more victims besides Harris. (Original court documents available here)
So what should you do if your dog bites someone?
Stay calm and kennel your pet. If you don’t use a kennel at least call him/her into another room and shut the door or release outside.
Start with basic first aid. Wash the wound gently with soap and water. Apply pressure as needed to stop bleeding. Treat with antibiotic ointment and bandage. Elevate the area of the body bitten to prevent swelling.
Call the doctor if you have been bit by a cat, or in the hand, foot or head or you have gaping holes or torn ragged skin; you have diabetes or any other auto immune disease or syndrome that weakens your body’s ability to fight infection. Consult a doctor if there is redness, swelling, increased tenderness, a fever or “oozing.” You may need a tetanus shot if it has been greater than 5 years or if you have been bitten by a dog with an unknown immunization status.
If necessary file a report with your home owners insurance, in the event the biting episode warranted additional compensation or the person bitten has no health insurance. (Not required – but it is the polite thing to do).
Give your “victim” a copy of or obtain for them a copy from your vet, your dog’s immunization shot record for when they consult a physician.
Report the bit as required by your area (this may be to the police, animal control or public safety department) and make sure to complete each community required action such as provide copies of immunization record or obtaining training sessions for your dog.
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this article is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for personal care by a licensed physician. Please see your physician for diagnosis and treatment of any concerning symptoms or medical condition.
Sources
*National Canine Research Council
Tags: bites, Center For Disease Control, dogs, health
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