Do you have a friend who has a dog at home? Not only cats, dogs are also one of the animals that are often kept as pets. There are many types of dogs that are kept, ranging from small and cute types of dogs to large types of dogs that look terrible.
However, behind the appearance of a cute and loyal dog, the dog is still a carnivorous and wild animal. Friends may have time to see news about people who were bitten by dogs. Or maybe there are friends who have experienced it themselves.
The experience of being bitten by a dog can indeed be a certain trauma so that the person becomes worried about the dog. Moreover, animal saliva has millions of germs that can enter our bodies. Then, what should we try if we are bitten by a dog?
Recognizing Dog Bite Patterns
The dog’s front teeth are usually used to catch the victim, while the other teeth pull on the surrounding skin when they start biting. The result of the bite can be a hole in the skin such as a puncture injury made by the dog’s front teeth and an injury to the scratched skin.
In addition, if the victim is a child, the dog usually affects the neck and face area, especially the lips, nose, and cheeks. On the other hand, older people are more commonly bitten on body parts such as the hands, arms, and legs.
First aid when bitten by a dog
If a friend is bitten by a dog, then take the following steps to deal with it:
1. Immediately rinse the wound after being bitten. The trick, rinse with warm water for a few minutes with a clean cloth or cotton ball.
2. If the dog has bitten the injury, it has not bleed, gently hold the injury to produce blood to prevent germs from entering the injury.
3. Give pain relievers, such as paracetamol, to reduce pain and swelling.
4. After that, you can apply an antibiotic ointment to the injury. Dry briefly, then wrap with a clean bandage or gauze.
5. Because it can be at risk of inflammation, we are also advised to go to the doctor after being bitten by a dog so as not to face inflammation.
Identity of Inflammation After Dog Bites
If a friend feels infected after being bitten by a dog, immediately go to the nearest clinic, health center, or hospital.
Sometimes the bite of an infected animal can cause some serious illness.
For example, blood poisoning (sepsis), inflammation of the lining of the heart (endocarditis) or inflammation of the outside of the brain (meningitis).
The following are body signs that indicate inflammation:
1. Dog bite injuries are more painful than the first time.
2. The injury becomes red and swollen near the bite.
3. Discharge or pus from the bite injury.
4. Face a fever with a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or more and body chills.