In Texas, even if you live with a dog daily, the animal might bite you anytime. While many bites can be minor and only need routine first-aid that you can provide at home, there are times when you want to seek medical attention before the wound worsens.
Familiarity
If you’re unsure of the vaccination history of the animal after a dog bite, consider going to a doctor for treatment. Receiving treatment at a medical facility can ensure that you receive treatment with the proper antibiotics and that documentation of the incident goes on your records. In addition, having the information in a legal document like a doctor’s assessment will be helpful later on if you find out the dog was not vaccinated and may have potentially dangerous diseases.
Depth of the wound
Pay attention to the wound’s depth after a dog bite. A visit to a doctor might be needed if you see anything more profound than the first two layers of skin. Likewise, suppose you notice any of the muscles underneath the skin or exposed nerves. In that case, a medical visit could also be warranted to ensure that you don’t need surgery to repair the damage.
Infection
After cleaning the wound at home, note any changes in the color of the skin around the bite or any warmth that you feel on the skin. These could be signs of an infection that need to be treated with antibiotics or other medications before the infection spreads to other areas of your body.
After a bite from a dog of any size or breed, there are signs that you want to look for that could mean a visit to a doctor or a hospital is in your future.
