Dog bites are classified by severity. Level 1: The dog's teeth don't touch the skin. Level 2: The dog's teeth touch, but do not break, the skin. Level 3: There are one to four shallow puncture wounds in the skin. Level 4: One to four punctures from a single bite.
When to seek medical advice. If the bite has broken the skin, you should seek immediate medical attention after cleaning the wound. Don't delay seeking help until symptoms of infection appear. Minor bites can be treated at your GP surgery, or by staff at your local walk-in centre or minor injuries unit.
While some bites don't absolutely require medical attention to properly heal, most experts still recommend seeking medical care 24 hours after you've been bitten—especially if the bite has broken the skin. Dog bites can cause medical problems that aren't immediately obvious, such as bacterial infection.
Fortunately, many dog bites are minor, but more severe injuries and complications can occur. What should I do if my child is bitten by a dog? For minor scrapes and abrasions, parents should thoroughly clean their child's wound with warm water and soap and keep it covered with an antibiotic ointment and bandage.
According to the Academy of Pediatrics, infection occurs in about 10 to 15 percent of dog bites. Dog bites that go untreated without proper cleaning and medical care are at increased risk of developing infections, which can be passed to another through bacteria.
In general, most experts recommend seeking medical care within 24 hours after you've been bitten—especially if the bite has broken the skin. Dog bites can cause medical problems that aren't immediately obvious, such as rabies.
Key Symptoms to Watch Out for After a Dog Bite Injury
There are a few telltale symptoms that can signal a serious dog bite, such as: Redness, swelling, or fever. The wound feels warm or tender. Deep puncture or tearing of the skin.
After being bitten, most people who become ill will show symptoms within 3 to 5 days, but this can range anywhere from 1 to 14 days. Most Capnocytophaga infections usually occur with dog or cat bites.
You will need a tetanus vaccination (shot) if you haven't had one in the last 5 years. Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection that releases toxins into your blood. It can be fatal. Your healthcare professional may advise that you have a tetanus booster injection.
Tetanus immunization — Tetanus is a serious, potentially life-threatening infection that can be transmitted by an animal or human bite. Adults who are bitten should receive a tetanus vaccine (called a tetanus toxoid vaccine) if the most recent tetanus vaccine was greater than 5 years previously.
Level 1: No skin-contact by teeth – can be exuberant obnoxious behavior or aggression. Level 2: Skin contact made but no punctures. There may be small lacerations. Level 3: One-four shallow punctures from a single bite and potentially small lacerations from pulling the biting dog or victim body part away.
Treatment with prophylactic antibiotics for three to seven days is appropriate for dog bite wounds, unless the risk of infection is low or the wound is superficial.
Wounds should be washed and flushed immediately with soap and water for 10–15 minutes. If soap is not available, flush with water alone. This is the most effective first-aid treatment against rabies.
Due to the length of the dog's teeth, many dog bite injuries are technically puncture wounds.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a tetanus infection usually shows up within 14 days of the wound. However, some people develop symptoms within one day, while others may not see symptoms for several months.
A bite from a dog increases the risk that tetanus bacteria can enter your body. If you don't get a vaccination and you develop tetanus, symptoms include: Muscle spasms, especially in the stomach. Difficulty swallowing.
If your dog attacks a person, endangering their life or causing death, you may be charged under the Crimes Act and face possible imprisonment of 5 or 10 years jail if your dog: is already a declared dangerous dog.
Overall, only a fifth of dog bites become infected, compared with 36% of hand bites,13 and loss of function can result from infection.
The incidence of infection in wounds that were not punctured or closed during treatment was only 2.6% (95% CI 0.7% to 6.5%). Conclusions: Puncture wounds or wounds closed during treatment are dog bite wounds at a high risk of infection and should be considered for treatment with prophylactic antibiotics.
Level 2 Bite - Skin-contact by teeth but no skin-puncture. This doggie is a little more serious about his aggression. He is willing to take it a step further to let you know that he doesn't want you there. Level 1 and 2 bites make up 99% or more of dog bite incidents.
You should always see a primary care provider if you're bitten.” No matter what, make sure you see a doctor within eight hours of a dog bite, he says. Waiting longer raises your infection risk. If you have diabetes or are immunocompromised, your infection risk is even greater.
Fear aggression is characterized by rapid nips or bites because a fearful dog is motivated to bite and then run away. Sometimes the aggression doesn't begin with clear threats. A fearful dog might not show her teeth or growl to warn the victim off.
A currently vaccinated dog, cat, or ferret is unlikely to become infected with rabies. When an exposure has occurred, the likelihood of rabies infection varies with the nature and extent of that exposure.