A recent article from Southern Living dubbed Texas the “Best State for Dogs.” While this honor might be true, the joys of pet ownership in this state quickly sour when your dog bites you or someone else. Depending on the size of the dog in question, this type of bite can range from minor discomfort to a life-threatening injury.
Stop interacting with the dog
Whether you’re a dog’s owner or a passerby, do not engage with a dog that just bit you. At this point, no words or comforting tone of voice are likely to calm a dog. You also risk getting bit again as most threatened dogs will take you getting closer as a sign of aggression. The best thing to do is get to a location where the dog can’t see or smell your scent.
Have a professional treat your wounds
It’s now time to treat your dog bite injuries. Even dog bites that look harmless could infect you with serious ailments, including rabies or tetanus. Visiting a medical facility lets a medical professional administer shots to prevent these diseases from worsening. These facilities can also stitch more severe dog bites to prevent excess bleeding.
Gather more information about the animal
If your dog bit you, get this animal to a veterinarian. A vet might be able to assess your dog’s behavioral issues or prescribe medication to prevent future bites. If you’re not the dog’s owner, it’s important to find this person. Letting them know what happened could prevent future dog bite incidents.
Fortunately for many dog owners, most dogs won’t be put down for a simple bite. However, that outcome can change when a dog bite ends up in someone getting severely injured or killed.
