At the moment a person is bitten by a dog, the instinctive reaction is usually to scream or try to pull their hand away. But did you know? These subconscious actions may actually trigger the dog's urge to attack! Japanese dog trainer Iroha specially reminds everyone to stay calm after being bitten and to absolutely avoid the following three things.
1. What to Do When a Dog Bites You
Don't Pull Away Immediately
When a dog bites you, most people's instinctive reaction is to pull their hand or foot back quickly, or to push the dog's head away with force. However, doing this can actually be very dangerous.
At the moment of the bite, the dog's teeth may already be embedded in your skin or muscle. If you try to yank your limb away, it can cause more severe tearing and a larger wound.
What You Should Do Instead
Avoid struggling violently. Try to distract the dog instead — throw an object, make a loud noise, or do something to divert its attention. The goal is to get the dog to loosen its grip on its own. Once it releases you, move away quickly and safely.
2. How to React When Bitten by a Dog
Yelling or Hitting the Dog
When faced with sudden pain, many people instinctively scream, kick the dog, or even bite back. However, such actions only make the dog more agitated. In an excited or tense state, some dogs may bite down even harder or launch a second or third attack, escalating the chaos.
Recommended Response
First, stay calm and move to a safe distance to avoid being bitten again. Once you are out of immediate danger, you can begin treating your wound safely.
3. What to Do If Bitten by an Unfamiliar Dog
If your dog is bitten by an unfamiliar dog, don't focus only on the wound—be sure to check the other dog's health condition as well. Dogs' mouths contain many bacteria, and some may even carry diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans.
Recommended Actions
- After your dog is bitten, ask the other owner about their dog's health condition.
- Confirm whether the dog has received regular rabies vaccinations.
- Record the owner's contact information for future reference.
This information will be crucial if the wound worsens later or if you need medical treatment or follow-up. Being prepared and having the owner's contact ensures proper communication and prompt care.
How to Treat Dog Bite Wounds
The first and most important step after being bitten by a dog is to thoroughly rinse the wound with water. Dogs carry a large number of bacteria in their mouths, and even a minor wound that breaks the skin carries a risk of infection.
After cleaning, use a clean cloth or sterile gauze to apply pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding. Then, cover the wound with a bandage to help prevent further bacterial infection.
If the bite came from a stray or unfamiliar dog, the wound is deep and bleeding heavily, or the area around the wound becomes red, swollen, and warm, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately. This is especially important for children, the elderly, or anyone with a weakened immune system.
If you're bitten while abroad, you should also see a doctor as soon as possible, since vaccination rates and disease risks vary from country to country. In some regions, the risk of rabies is significantly higher, so it's essential not to take any chances.
When a Dog Bites: What You Should Do
A dog bite is never a small matter. Besides leaving physical wounds, it can also carry the risk of infection. The most important thing is to stay calm and avoid actions that might further provoke the dog.
Clean and stop the bleeding as soon as possible. If the injury is serious or if you have any doubts, seek medical attention right away — it's always better to be safe and get proper care.
