Although many dogs in Texas are friendly, some may bite. This can occur regardless of whether it’s a pet or a stray. If you suffer a dog bite, these are signs that you should seek medical attention.
Continuous bleeding
Dog bite injuries that do not stop bleeding after around 15 minutes and when you’ve applied pressure to the wound should be considered emergencies. If it continues bleeding for that long, you might need stitches. Profuse bleeding is very serious; you might even need a blood transfusion if the bite is that deep. In that situation, call 911 as soon as possible.
A stray bit you
Even if the dog that bit you was a puppy, if it was a stray, you need immediate medical attention. With no owner, you have no way of knowing if the dog is healthy or if it has rabies. This situation means you need to get a rabies shot just to be on the safe side.
Signs of infection
Dogs have bacteria in their mouths that can cause an infection after a bite. If your wound shows any signs of infection such as pus or swelling, you need to see a doctor for treatment. You may also need a prescription for antibiotics.
You’re overdue for a tetanus shot
If it’s been over 10 years since your last tetanus shot, it’s best to get medical attention for a dog bite. A doctor can assess your wound and give you a shot and additional treatment as necessary.
If you were bitten by a dog and the wound looks or feels bad, seeing a doctor is the best way to be safe. This is the wisest course of action even if the dog is known to you.
