Treatment and Recovery after a dog bite

Medical treatment after a serious dog attack

Dog bites can cause serious wounds and many types of injuries, including cuts, abrasions, lacerations, punctures, tissue loss, infection, and fractured bones. Dog bite wounds often leave disfiguring scars. When dogs attack, they frequently lunge for the victim’s face, which is especially vulnerable to scarring and disfigurement. Because of their small size and inability to protect themselves, young children are at high risk for severe injury in a dog attack.

The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends that as soon as possible, the dog bite wound should be washed thoroughly with soap and warm water. Contact your physician or go to an emergency room for additional care and advice. The American Academy of Family Physicians also recommends that after a dog attack the victim seek prompt medical treatment to prevent infection and promote optimal healing. It is especially important to seek medical care when there is any sign of infection, such as redness, swelling, red streaking, and fever. Medical care is always indicated if the victim has a gaping wound, or one that does not stop bleeding, or open wounds on the face.

Some dog bites result in damage to deep tissue, nerves, even bone, which may require surgical repair. When disfiguring scars are likely, reconstructive or plastic surgery may be needed to perform skin and tissue grafts to close a wound, or rebuild the disfigured feature. Surgery may also repair or reattach damaged blood vessels so that the damaged area has a viable blood supply. Reconstructive surgery is often successful at reducing scars. Plastic surgeons may also use such techniques as pressure scar modification and dermabrasion to reduce scarring and disfigurement.

Psychological consequences of dog attacks

The emotional trauma resulting from being attacked by a dog can be a significant element in many dog bite cases. Both children and adults may suffer post-traumatic distress disorder (PTSD), whose symptoms can include sleep disturbance, nightmares, daytime flashbacks of the attack, severe anxiety and irritability, impaired concentration, and a persistent fear of dogs. These symptoms should be addressed through a psychologically informed approach as soon as possible after the dog attack to prevent lasting psychological consequences. Significant reduction in post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms can often be obtained within a few sessions.

If the residual psychological symptoms are more pervasive, the treating professional may recommend a longer-term psychotherapy. Such recommendations will be considered in the resolution of their case.

After The Attack

Report the bite to your local animal care and control agency. Tell the animal control officer everything you know about the dog. If you know the owner's name and/or address, be sure to report these. If you believe the dog is a stray, tell the animal control officer all that you can about what the dog looks like, its size, where the attack happened, whether you've seen this dog before, and after the attack, in which direction he went.