Dog Bites: Prevention & Treatment

Dog Bites PreventionFor many, dogs are an important part of their family as well as a trusted friend and companion. However, even the friendliest and best-trained dogs can bite under the wrong circumstances. In fact, the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that around 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs in the U.S. every year with half of those people being children between the ages of five and nine. Furthermore, about one out of every five dog bites will cause a serious injury that requires medical care. Because being attacked and bitten by a dog can be dangerous, it is essential to know how to avoid being attacked by a dog and what steps to take for dog bite treatment and infection prevention.

Tips for Preventing Bites

It isn’t always easy to know when a dog might bite and many bites take people by surprise. However, there are a few simple guidelines that people can follow to reduce their risk of suffering a dog bite injury. These include:

  • Keep a safe distance from dogs you are not familiar with.
  • Never leave a child alone with a dog, even if you know the dog well.
  • Don’t approach dogs who are currently eating or feeding their puppies, they become aggressive to defend their food and/or young.
  • Whenever you are going to approach a dog, make sure that you do so slowly and allow the dog to contact you at its own pace and comfort level.
  • If a dog seems aggressive, don’t scream or run away. Try to stay calm, move slowly, and avoid making eye contact.
Treating Dog Bites

There are some steps that you can take to treat a dog bite at home, but it is important to see a doctor after being bitten, especially if you do not know the dog that bit you. Getting attacked and bitten by a dog can result in a potential infection that often requires treatment with prescription dog bite antibiotics.

Before you see a doctor, after dog bite care at home should include:

  • Use a clean towel or piece of cloth to stop excessive bleeding.
  • Elevate the injured area above the heart.
  • Wash the wound carefully using soap and water.
  • Wrap the wound in a sterile bandage.
  • Apply antibiotic cream to the wound.

At your doctor’s appointment, your doctor will likely ask you the following questions, and you should be prepared to give accurate answers:

  • Are you familiar with the owner of the dog?
  • Do you know if the dog is vaccinated and if its vaccinations are current?
  • Did the bog bite because it was provoked or did the attack happen suddenly?
  • Do you have any serious health conditions including diabetes, immune disorders, liver issues, or anything that may put you at risk for infection?

Watch YouTube Video: Dog Bite Wounds - How to Treat a Dog Bite. This video provides tips on how to treat a dog bite and minimize the chance of getting an infection.

When Should You Contact an Attorney After a Dog Bite Injury?

In California, dog owners are strictly liable for the injuries their pets cause. This means that those injured by dog bites can hold owners responsible for paying for damages related to their injuries. Unlike most personal injury cases, injured parties do not need to prove that dog owners behaved negligently to seek compensation. To learn more about what you may be owed for your injuries, get in touch with a Fairfield dog bite lawyer as soon as you can.

Related Articles

Fairfield Dog Bite Lawyers

I’m Ed Smith, a Fairfield dog bite lawyer. If you’ve been hurt by a dog, call me to get free, friendly legal advice about receiving compensation. You can reach me at (707) 564-1900 or (800) 404-5400. You can also send me a message online.

I’ve assisted Fairfield residents with getting fair payments in cases of wrongful death and personal injury since 1982.

We are members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.

Learn more about us. See our past verdicts and settlements and client reviews on Avvo, Yelp, Google.

Editor’s Note: This page has been updated for accuracy and relevancy [cha 12.8.20]

Photo: ab

:ms cha [cs 698]

Client Reviews
★★★★★
"Me and my wife; had a car accident. We were amazed how easy, professional, friendly attorney Ed Smith is along with his staff. Everybody is amazing. Thank you so much, we are very impressed!" Alex & Dinah M.
★★★★★
"Ed Smith and his office team took on a difficult personal injury case on my behalf and for the passenger in my car. Ed is a top- notch attorney. His staff couldn't have been more helpful and kind. No need to look elsewhere. I give Ed Smith my highest recommendation." Beverly
★★★★★
"Ed and Robert have been taking great care of my husband and I for the past 5+ years. They are always there when you have a problem and a quick resolution! Even when the issues have nothing to do with them. They are willing to help ease the pain off your shoulders. They are as good as it gets! Thank you again for everything." Annie T.
★★★★★
"Very professional. Great team, staff and service all around. Mr Smith was very honest, straight forward with his advice. He gives the word "attorney" an honest reputation. I will seek his council anytime, and would recommend him at the drop of a dime." Jeremy M.
★★★★★
"I would highly recommend Ed Smith to any friends or family in need of a personal injury attorney. Ed, and his staff, are very caring on top of being very experienced in this field. The staff always keeps you informed of the status of your case and they are always easy to reach by phone." Shannon D.
★★★★★
"Edward Smith law offices provide competent, thorough, and personable help for victims of personal injury. When you first meet the staff you know you contacted the right office. This law office treats clients like people. I recommend this office to anyone seeking representation regarding personal injury." David M.
View More
Submit a Law Firm Client Review