Dogs are often regarded to as the cuddliest, most comforting animals on the planet. And it’s really easy to see why people feel this way. From the inviting tail wags to the friendliest growls, they are truly the four-legged companions we did not know we needed.

But you must have heard of the expression, do what you will, it's still an animal.  When they are not as friendly as we know them, or when they become too friendly, bites or scratches may happen. Often times, these incidences serve as perfect reminder that, at the core, your beautiful dog is a meat-hunting canine, a descendant wolf family.

So here’s what you can do when the worst happens.

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Clean the wound: According to Dr. P.R.N Kang’ethe, the resident veterinarian here at The Standard Group, use water and an antiseptic of your choice to wash your wound carefully. Allow water to run over your wound for a few minutes.

Reduce the bleeding: This can be done by wrapping the wound area with a clean cloth. Dr Kang’ethe fronts a joke to the effect that you have been bitten by a dog and not a snake. You do not need to stifle blood supply by tightly fastening the cloth around the wound.

Begin your journey to hospital: It is important that you get to hospital as soon as you can. Usually, you may not know whether you have contracted an infection from a dog bite until diagnosis. It is therefore important that you see a doctor to rule this out.

Risks associated with dog bites



Dr. Kang’ethe explains that dog bites introduce bacteria to the injury site. These may include staphylococcus, streptococcus and pasteurella, as well as capnocytophaga. Even worse, dogs that have not had their vaccinations may carry rabies, a fatal viral disease. This explains why an immediate hospital visit is critical.

All in all, should you be bitten by a dog, the treatment course will focus on ensuring that an infection does not come about as a result.