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Animal Bites: First Aid

Primary care or the first aid is an essential aspect following any illness or accidents; it really works to prevent further complications; so if it is the case, that some animal say for example, a dog bites a child on the street, what would be your immediate steps?

The questions that come in your mind are: was that a street dog or a wild one or suspected rabies?

Some would recommend for the anti-rabies vaccination as early as possible.

You will try to assess what is the location of the wound, depth of the bite, wound area, its condition at present.
All what you need to do at this time is manage the situation tactfully. Provide the best first aid treatment at home:

Immediately clean the wound area with running water. Then clean using the soap and water. Do clean with soap gently; don’t give more pressure.
If the wound is a minor and clean one, apply some antibiotic ointment and cover it using a clean bandage.
Sometimes if it is suspected rabies, you may tie the area proximal to the wound area; it prevents the spread of organisms further in the blood stream.

If the wound has large, torn edges and bleeds, you may consult the doctor after covering the wound with some bandage. Somehow you need to prevent infection to the wound area.

Tetanus and rabies prophylaxis may be advised by the doctor, especially in the case of the suspected rabies.

Disclaimer
This site provides you with the general guidelines and information regarding the first aid measures for the various conditions or health related problems. It is not a substitute for the medical advice or the formal first aid training. It will not be responsible or liable in case one tries to make diagnosis based on the provided information. You always need to consult the doctor and emergency department in case of all the serious emergencies rather than just relying upon the supposed guidelines.