As much as we’d like for it not to happen, dogs will bite us from time to time. In fact, according to the CDC, about 4.5 million dog bites occur annually in the U.S., with 900,000 resulting in infection.

So, if you’ve been bitten by your family dog or a stray, what are you supposed to do next?

Our AFC Urgent Care Easley team provides some helpful answers below.

Should I Go to the Doctor if I’ve Been Bitten?

While some bites don’t necessarily require medical attention to properly heal, most experts still recommend seeking medical care 24 hours after you’ve been bitten—especially if the bite has broken the skin. Dog bites can cause medical problems that aren’t immediately obvious, such as bacterial infection.

Dog bites are classified by severity, and it’s absolutely necessary to seek medical care if your bite is at level 4 or above on the scale that we’ve provided.

Types of Dog Bites

• Level 1: The dog’s teeth don’t touch the skin.
• Level 2: The dog’s teeth touch, but do not break, the skin.
• Level 3: There are one to four shallow puncture wounds in the skin.
• Level 4: There are one to four punctures from a single bite. At least one puncture wound is deep.
• Level 5: There were multiple bites, including some deep puncture wounds. This level most typically results from a dog attack.

What’s the First Thing I Should Do After Being Bitten?

The first thing you should do is perform basic first aid on your bite wound.

You can do this by stopping the bleeding by applying pressure with a clean cloth until the bleeding stops; then by washing the affected area with soap and water and rinsing thoroughly, which will decrease the odds of a dog bite infection; and lastly, putting a dry, clean bandage over the wound.

Signs Further Medical Care Is Necessary

• If the bleeding doesn’t stop after 15 minutes of pressure
• If the bite has broken the skin. A tetanus shot may be necessary to reduce the possibility of tetanus infection.
• If you were bitten by a wild or stray dog or you are unable to obtain the animal’s immunization records from the owner
• If you have a weakened immune system, either due to an illness (such as diabetes) or medical treatment (such as chemotherapy)
• If you notice any signs of infection, including redness, swelling, warmth or pus

If your dog bites you, don’t hesitate to get the care you need by visiting our AFC Urgent Care Easley center today! We’re here for you now and always.