Why are dog bites so scary?

The worst thing about bites is the risk of contracting rabies from a sick dog, since, unfortunately, at the moment this disease is incurable and fatal. That is, in simple words, if you become infected, without the vaccine administered on time, you will die. And it will be too late to introduce it at the moment when the first signs of the disease appear.

Victims often believe that if the dog has not bitten the skin or there is no or little blood, then they can ignore such a bite. This is absolutely wrong. The fact is that the virus is transmitted through saliva and contaminated saliva may remain on the surface of the skin. The virus can enter the body through small scratches or cracks in the skin. Infection will still occur. Therefore, in any case, it is necessary to consult a doctor. Also find out  what the new jersey dog bite laws say in such cases. 

If your doctor prescribes treatment for you or your child, do not refuse it under any circumstances. Many people are frightened by stories about 40 injections in the stomach for rabies.

I can reassure you - this is already a distant past. Now they give 6 injections over 3 months, which completely remove the virus. Injections are given in the shoulder, which is much easier to tolerate. At the same time, if the bitten animal does not show signs of the disease within 10 days, then there may be fewer injections. The doctor will determine how many are needed. If it is impossible to track the attacking dog, then you will have to endure all these procedures. But in any case, this is better than dying painfully from rabies.

First aid for a victim of a bite

If the most unpleasant thing happens and you or your child are bitten by a dog, try first to pull yourself together and not panic. If there is no emergency room nearby, then it is better to go home, give the victim first aid, and then call an ambulance or go with the victim to the hospital.

Before calling a doctor, thoroughly wash the bite area with clean water and soap to remove dirt and saliva from the wound. Antibacterial or regular laundry soap is best. Treat the wound with an antiseptic. This may be a solution of hydrogen peroxide or chlorhexidine. After this, carefully treat the edges of the wound with iodine solution.

Minor bleeding should not be stopped for a while - dirt and infection will come out of the wound along with the blood. In case of severe bleeding, apply a tight sterile bandage.

Please remember: the sooner you see a doctor and begin treatment, the greater the chance of a full recovery.

A few words about how to reduce the risk of attack

There are a few simple rules that will help reduce the risk of attacks and bites. Remember them yourself and teach them to your children.

• Don't grab your dog's face, ears or tail, even while playing. Do not make sudden movements or wave your arms, especially near an unfamiliar dog.
• Never look a dog in the eye for too long. She may see this as a challenge and attack.
• Do not touch the dog while eating, and do not under any circumstances try to take away his bowl of food.
• Never run away from an approaching strange dog. He will regard this as a signal to attack.

A dog bite is an unpleasant and sometimes dangerous event. But it’s not always the dog’s fault. You should not be careless and approach unfamiliar dogs, try to pet them, much less show aggression. But if everything has already happened, provide first aid to the victim and go to the emergency room.

And most importantly, do not refuse the prescribed treatment under any circumstances!