Dog bite: 7 steps to treating a dog

7 steps to treating a dog bite If a dog bites you, take these steps right away: Wash the wound. Use mild soap, and run warm tap water over it for five to 10 minutes. Slow the bleeding with a clean ... Dog bites can be traumatic, but with quick and proper first aid, most wounds heal without serious complications. Awareness and education are your best defences. To treat a minor dog bite , start by washing the wound thoroughly with antibacterial soap and water. If the wound keeps bleeding after you clean it, apply pressure to the area with a clean towel or gauze for several minutes until it stops. Acting quickly after a bite is critical to preventing rabies and ensuring complete recovery. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), rabies prevention relies on three proven strategies: community awareness, prompt post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), and mass dog vaccination.