Although dogs might be our best friends, they can, and do, occasionally bite. And whether that bite was an over-enthusiastic nip or an act of aggression, you need to take immediate action to limit the damage done and to reduce the chance the bite becomes infected.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog or a loved one has, the first step should be to seek medical attention. But you should also know that you may be entitled to claim compensation. To help, here we explain what to do in the event of a dog bite, how to treat a dog bite, and how to make a compensation claim for a dog bite.
How to treat dog bite injuries at home?
Most single dog bites aren’t serious medical emergencies, and there’s plenty you can do to treat them at home.
- Start by trying to remove any foreign objects that are in the bite wound, like dirt, hair or teeth, using running water.
- Clean the skin around the bite wound with soap and warm water, or with antiseptic, but try not to get any in the wound itself.
- If the wound isn’t bleeding, squeeze it carefully and gently so it bleeds a little, as this can help reduce the chance it’ll become infected. If the wound’s already bleeding, you don’t need to do this.
- If the wound is bleeding, apply a dry dressing or a clean cloth firmly to the bite wound until the bleeding stops.
- Once you’ve cleaned the wound, and any bleeding has stopped, carefully pat it dry and cover it with a clean, sterile dressing.
- Try to keep the injured area elevated.
- If there’s any pain or swelling, take paracetamol or ibuprofen. Children under 16 shouldn’t be given aspirin.
Even if you believe you’ve dealt with the bite wound effectively, it’s a sensible precaution to see a doctor at a hospital A&E department or a walk-in clinic, just to be on the safe side. Dog bites can have complications, and it’s worth having an expert take a look at the bite wound.
What are the complications of dog bites?
Even with what might appear to be a superficial wound, dog bites can cause serious complications including:
Infections
Dogs’ mouths are home to whole ecosystems of bacteria. If a dog’s teeth pierce the skin, this bacteria can get into the body, causing infections. Infections can lead to swelling, pain and oozing puss. If infections are left untreated, they can spread and lead to serious illnesses, including sepsis.
Sepsis
Sepsis is an overreaction of your immune system to an infection that prevents the body’s organs working properly. It’s a life-threatening medical emergency that needs immediate attention.
Meningitis
Meningitis is inflammation of the protective membranes – meninges – surrounding the brain and spinal cord that can be caused by a bacterial infection. Meningitis is serious and can be life-threatening.
Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease that’s carried in the saliva of infected animals, and one that’s lethal if not treated promptly.
Even a minor dog bite can result in complications. Some people are more at risk of developing complications too. These include people with immune system disorders or otherwise weakened immune systems, those with diabetes, and anyone with peripheral arterial disease.
Go to a hospital or walk-in clinic as soon as possible in the event of any signs of infection or illness after a dog bite.
Preventing dog bites
Not all dog bites are preventable, but there is plenty you can do to try and avoid them and to get yourself out of a potentially dangerous situation.
It’s important to recognise and know that any breed of dog can bite you. Just because a dog is small or appears friendly, doesn’t mean it can’t hurt you. Especially if the dog is startled, frightened or angry.
To reduce the risk of a bite when meeting a dog, you should:
● Never try to touch a dog without asking its owner if it’s OK.
● Never run towards or away from a dog.
● Let a dog see and sniff you before trying to touch it.
● Never tease a dog by pulling its tail or ears.
● Never hit or otherwise try to hurt a dog.
● Never try and scare a dog, such as by shouting at it or backing it into a corner.
● Never bother dogs while they’re sleeping, eating or taking care of puppies.
If you’re approached by a dog you don’t know, you should:
● Stay calm and be patient. Once a dog understands you’re not a threat, it should eventually lose interest in you.
● Don’t shout.
● Don’t look the dog directly in the eyes, as this can be seen as a threat or a challenge.
● Don’t run away from the dog, as this can encourage it to chase and potentially attack you.
● Stand your ground without being threatening.
● Back up slowly and steadily if you want to get space between you.
If a dog does attack you:
● Try to put an obstacle between you and the dog, including climbing on top of something where the dog can’t reach you.
● If that isn’t possible, try to keep an object between you and the dog’s mouth, such as a bag or an umbrella.
● If you’re knocked over, roll into a ball and cover your face. Try to lie still.
How can I tell if a dog is aggressive?
If you’re not familiar with dogs, it can be difficult to tell if a noisy, barking, energetic dog is just excited or being aggressive.
You can read a dog’s body language to get a better idea of whether it’s being boisterous or posing a threat. Signs of aggression in dogs usually include:
● Stiff, straight legs and a stiff tail
● An upright stance
● Ears held up and pointing forwards
● Hackles are up
● Directly facing you and standing square
● Growling with front teeth and canines exposed
● Eyes wide open with the whites of eye showing
What can owners do?
As a responsible dog owner, there’s plenty you can do to minimise the chances of your dog biting someone, including:
● Making sure you get a breed of dog that’s suitable for your living situation.
● Finding out about the personality and temperament of any dog you’re thinking about adopting or buying, and making sure you don’t bring home a dog with a history of aggression.
● Making sure your dog has all the required immunisations.
● Having your dog spayed or neutered.
● Taking your puppy or young dog to training or obedience school to ensure they grow up well-behaved and socialised.
● Keeping your dog on a lead when walking.
● Supervising your dog when they’re interacting with people.
● Stopping people your dog doesn’t know from approaching them in a way you know they won’t like.
● Removing your dog from social situations when they become overly excited, stressed, scared or aggressive.
Compensation for dog bites
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you may be able to seek compensation for your injuries and distress.
A dog’s owner has a legal responsibility to ensure their pet doesn’t cause injury or damage. If an owner doesn’t take the necessary precautions and their dog does cause harm, you may be able to make a claim against them for the compensation you deserve. To help with your claim make sure you:
● Take detailed notes about what happened and ideally write out a full account of the incident as soon as you can.
● Gather as much evidence as possible, including medical records and doctors’ opinions and judgements.
● Get the contact details of as many witnesses as possible, and ask them to write statements of the attack.
How can we help you?
If you – or someone you’re with – is bitten by a dog, treat the wound as quickly as possible. Seek immediate medical attention if the bite is serious. Even if it isn’t serious, it’s a good idea to see a doctor – even mild dog bites can have complications, including infections and rabies.
If you’re a dog owner, it’s your responsibility to stop your dog from biting or otherwise harming anyone. Ensure your dog is properly supervised and trained, and that you understand their behaviour and body language to determine when they’re angry, scared, or otherwise stressed. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, contact us to discuss making a compensation claim. One of our experienced lawyers will talk to you about your situation. We can also offer you a free consultation to outline the legal process of pursuing a dog bite compensation claim, explaining what’s involved at each stage.
