Dog Bite Treatment Guidelines Handout

Begin by assessing the severity of the bite. Clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water, apply antiseptic, and cover it with a clean bandage. Evaluate for signs of infection and check the patient's vaccination history for tetanus and rabies.

Consider the depth and location of the wound, the patient's immune status, and the dog's vaccination history. Puncture wounds, hand injuries, and bites from unvaccinated or wild animals carry a higher risk of infection.

Antibiotics are recommended for deep puncture wounds, bites on the hands, face, or genitals, wounds that appear infected, or if the patient is immunocompromised. Common antibiotics include amoxicillin-clavulanate.