If a dog bites you, take these steps right away:

You’re playing with your dog, and somehow, between growls and tail wags, it can happen. Those canine teeth can bite or scratch. Or alternatively, you could be walking down a street and an unknown mutt can attack without warning.

Either way, there are steps you need to take right away to treat the wound and reduce the risk of infection. You’ll need professional medical attention the same day.

1. Press on the wound gently to cause some bleeding to help flush out as much bacteria as possible.

2. Wash the wound with mild soap and water.

3.Slow the bleeding with a clean cloth.

4. Apply over-the counter antibiotic cream if you have it.

5.Wrap the wound in a sterile bandage. Keep the wound bandaged and see your doctor.

6.Change the bandage several times a day once your doctor has examined the wound.

7.Watch for signs of infection, including redness, swelling, increased pain and fever.

What will your doctor do?

Your doctor will want to know more about the dog that bit you and how it happened. He or she will also likely clean the wound again, apply antibiotic ointment and prescribe antibiotics, such as Augmentin, if there’s an infection concern.

Your doctor may also give you a booster shot if your tetanus vaccine is out-of-date.

Depending on the wound, your doctor may also recommend stitches. Generally, though, dog wounds are left open to heal unless they are on the face or if they could leave particularly severe scars if left unsutured.
Roughly 50 percent of dog bites introduce bacteria, including staphylococcus, streptococcus and pasteurella, as well as capnocytophaga.

Unvaccinated and feral dogs can also potentially carry — and transfer — rabies, so your doctor will want to know details about the dog that bit you.

Kill it and eat