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DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person has been bitten or deeply scratched by a dog. The wound may be bleeding.
The essentials if you need to act right now.
Get safe. Wash wound 15 minutes with soap. Hospital for rabies check.
What might I see? Observable signs — no diagnosis required.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Broken skin with teeth marks, bleeding, or deep puncture wounds.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Crushed or torn tissue, especially on hands, face, or arms.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Dog was stray, unknown, or acting strangely before the bite.
Optional deeper explanation — not required to act.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Dog bites crush tissue and push bacteria deep into the wound. Rabies is fatal once symptoms start — prevention after bite is critical.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Even pet dogs can bite when frightened or provoked. Rabies vaccination status must be verified by a doctor.
Check the scene before you approach.
Civilian-safe actions you can take.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Get the person to a safe place away from the dog.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — If bleeding heavily, press a clean cloth firmly on the wound.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Start washing with soap and water as soon as possible.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Wash under running water with soap for at least 15 minutes — scrub gently around the wound.
When and how to get professional help.
All dog bites breaking skin need medical evaluation for rabies prophylaxis and wound care.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Wash the wound and seek medical care. Do not attempt to capture the dog unless trained and safe.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112 if bleeding will not stop or the bite is on the face or neck.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — At hospital, say: "Dog bite — need rabies evaluation and wound care."
Dangerous actions, when not to attempt rescue, and common myths.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT ignore a small bite — puncture wounds are high infection and rabies risk.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT chase or corner an aggressive dog to identify it.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT delay hospital visit because the dog "looks vaccinated" — verify with a doctor.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Pet dogs do not carry rabies so bites do not need hospital care
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Any mammal bite can transmit rabies if the animal is infected. Vaccination status must be confirmed by a doctor, not assumed.
Other scenarios in the same family.
Active dog attack
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A dog is currently biting, chasing, or mauling a person.
Bee/wasp swarm
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person is being stung by many bees or wasps, or has dozens of stings — a life-threatening emergency.
Rabid animal
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — A person was bitten, scratched, or had saliva contact with a wound from an animal acting rabid — foaming, paralysis, aggression, or unusual behavior.
Crocodile encounter
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — You or someone else is near, being attacked by, or was bitten by a crocodile or alligator.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Apply antiseptic if available after washing, then cover with a clean bandage.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do not stitch the wound yourself — doctors decide if closure is safe.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Write down when and where the bite happened and what the dog looked like.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Every dog bite breaking skin needs medical assessment for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Tetanus booster may be needed depending on vaccination history.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Missed rabies prophylaxis leads to a fatal disease weeks later.