What To Do If You Are Bitten By A Dog

Dog bites are an unfortunate but relatively common occurrence, with thousands of incidents reported each year in the UK. According to recent statistics, over 8,000 people were admitted to hospitals in England due to being bitten by a dog and other dog-related injuries in the 2021/22 period alone, as displayed in the tables below.

While many dog bites may seem minor, even small wounds can lead to serious complications if not treated properly. Knowing what to do if you’re bitten by a dog can help prevent infections, prevent further bites to others, and assist you in claiming any compensation you’re entitled to.

What Should I Do After Being Bitten By A Dog?

The most important thing to do after being bitten by a dog is to ensure your immediate safety by moving away from the dog to prevent further attacks. If possible, secure the dog or ensure it is restrained to avoid additional bites to yourself or others.

Next, the NHS advises you should:

• Using soap and warm water, clean the skin around the wound. You may use an antiseptic as well, but avoid getting it directly into the wound.
• Using running water, carefully remove any objects such as teeth, dirt, or hair from the wound.
• Squeeze the wound gently to promote slight bleeding (unless the wound’s already bleeding) to help flush out bacteria and reduce the risk of infection.
• If the wound is bleeding heavily, press a dry dressing or clean cloth firmly against it to stop the bleeding.
• Once the wound is clean, pat it dry gently and then cover it with a clean dressing or bandage.
• Consider taking paracetamol or ibuprofen to help alleviate any pain and reduce swelling. Note that children under 16 should NOT be given aspirin.

If the skin has been broken, seek medical advice.

How Do I Know If A Dog Bite Needs Medical Attention?

Any bite that breaks the skin could potentially lead to infection. Therefore, you should call 111 or visit NHS 111 onlin for expert medical advice if you’re unsure what to do. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, warmth, pus, and increasing pain around the dog bite wound.

If the bite has caused deep puncture wounds, large lacerations, or significant tissue damage, immediate medical attention should be sought as you will likely require stitches at the very least.

Tetanus & Rabies Concerns

If you’re not fully vaccinated against tetanus or you’re just not sure, you may need a booster. Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection that can be life-threatening.

Although rabies has been eliminated from animals in the UK, it is still important to assess the risk, especially if bitten by a stray or unknown dog abroad. Therefore, it’s certainly worth having a healthcare professional determine if rabies vaccination is necessary.

Should I Report A Dog Bite To The Authorities?

Yes, once you’re safe and you’ve treated your wound, you should report the dog bite incident as soon as possible as there are specific legal requirements and guidelines to follow.

Dangerous Dogs Act 1991

This act makes it an offence for a dog to be dangerously out of control in a public place, which also extends to private property if the dog injures somebody. This means dog owners can face serious legal consequences if their dog were to attack somebody, including fines or even imprisonment. The dog may also end up being put down.

Therefore, if you have been bitten by or attacked by a dog you should report it to the police immediately by calling 101. If somebody else is in immediate danger from an out-of-control dog you should call 999.

Along with reporting it to the police, contacting your local council dog warden service is essential. They can take appropriate action to deal with the dog to ensure the safety of the public.

How To Report A Dog Bite

When reporting a dog bite you should provide detailed information about the incident, including the time, location, and circumstances of the bite.

Describe the dog, including the breed, size, colour, and any identifying features, as well as any information about the owner if known.

Reporting a dog bite helps in managing potentially dangerous dogs and preventing future attacks on other members of the public, particularly vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly. It also ensures the dog will receive a proper evaluation and, if necessary, training or behavioural correction.

Can I Get Help With Psychological Trauma After A Dog Attack?

A dog attack can be traumatic, not just physically but also psychologically. The emotional aftermath can include anxiety, fear of dogs, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Recognising signs of trauma, seeking professional help early on, and connecting with support groups can significantly help the recovery process.

Recognising Signs Of Trauma

Victims attacked or bitten by a dog might develop a generalised fear of dogs or specific anxiety related to the incident. Symptoms might include avoiding places where dogs might be present, excessive worry, and physical symptoms such as a racing heart or sweating when near dogs.

In severe cases, individuals might experience PTSD, characterised by flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the incident.

The Importance Of Mental Health Support

Seeking help from mental health professionals, such as psychologists or counsellors, can be vital in dealing with the psychological trauma of a dog bite. Accessing counselling services through the NHS, private therapists, or registered charities like Mind and Anxiety UK can provide the necessary emotional support and coping mechanisms.

Also, support groups can provide a space for individuals to share their experiences and coping strategies. They can be particularly helpful in normalising feelings and reducing isolation. Thankfully, there are many local communities and online platforms that offer support groups specifically for dog bite victims.

Should I Contact A Dog Bite Solicitor After Being Bitten?

Dog bite victims may be eligible to claim compensation if the dog owner was negligent. This could include compensation for the pain and suffering caused by the dog bite, including any psychological trauma, loss of amenity, medical expenses, loss of earnings, and other related costs.

Therefore, we’d recommend contacting a dog bite solicitor on our team for expert legal advice. They can guide you through the process of filing a dog bite claim and help you understand your rights and the potential outcomes.

If you contact our claims advisors after being bitten by a dog, they can discuss your options with you and provide free advice. If it seems you’re entitled to compensation they’ll put you through to a personal injury solicitor if you’d like to take it further.