Treating a Dog Bite

Dog bites are a surprisingly common occurrence in Salt Lake City and elsewhere. With thousands of dogs in the city and its surrounding suburbs, it can be important to know both how to treat a dog bite when to call a personal injury lawyer if the bite resulted in some serious medical bills. Here are three ways to treat the injured area if you are bitten.

First Aid

One of the first things to do when bitten by a dog is to clean the wound. This should happen as soon as possible. The wound should be cleaned with hot water (preferably running water), which will help remove any bacteria from the affected area. Promoting bleeding is actually a good initial step, as even gently squeezing the cut can help bleed out bacteria and keep everything clean. Be sure to wash with antibacterial soap as well.

After Initial Treatment

After the initial washing of the wound, Neosporin or other topical medicines can help fight the bacteria. Ibuprofen and other painkillers can help reduce any pain as well as keep inflammation low. These common medicines can be found in any convenience store in Salt Lake City. Even if you don’t think the dog who bit you had rabies, it is best to seek additional medical attention—especially if the wound becomes more painful, begins to swell or if pus leaks from the site.

Personal Injury for Dog Bites

People who own a dog are ultimately responsible for their pet’s behavior. They should keep them on a leash and always avoid situations where they could harm someone. A personal injury lawyer can be of help in determining if a lawsuit would help reimburse medical expenses or other bills that resulted from the bite. Hiring a lawyer isn’t a bad idea if expenses start climbing due to reconstructive surgery or other costs.

In all cases, residents of Salt Lake City and other owners of dogs should do their best to remain levelheaded and avoid potentially dangerous situations. 

Nate Myers is a legal writer reporter for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Robert J Debry.