{"id":195,"date":"2026-02-25T13:03:03","date_gmt":"2026-02-25T13:03:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tez.health\/blog\/?p=195"},"modified":"2026-02-25T13:04:31","modified_gmt":"2026-02-25T13:04:31","slug":"what-to-do-immediately-after-a-dog-bite-step-by-step-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tez.health\/blog\/what-to-do-immediately-after-a-dog-bite-step-by-step-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Do Immediately After a Dog Bite: Step by Step Guide."},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dog bites are more common than most people realize. Whether it\u2019s a stray dog on the street or a pet you know, a bite can happen suddenly and without warning. The moments immediately after the bite are critical\u2014your actions can determine whether the wound heals quickly or leads to serious complications such as infections, tetanus, or even rabies, a fatal viral disease.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even small scratches or minor bites are not harmless. Many people underestimate the risks and delay treatment, which can be dangerous. In this comprehensive guide, we\u2019ll cover <\/span><b>step-by-step first aid<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, medical interventions, rabies and tetanus prevention, special considerations for children and older adults, and practical tips to avoid future bites.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Why Immediate Action After a Dog Bite Matters<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dog saliva contains <\/span><b>bacteria<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Pasteurella\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pasteurella<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Staphylococcus<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Streptococcus<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which can enter the body through broken skin. In rare cases, it can also contain viruses like <\/span><b>rabies<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Without prompt and proper care, complications may include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Bacterial infections<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> such as cellulitis or abscesses<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Tetanus\"><b>Tetanus<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a serious bacterial infection causing painful muscle stiffness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Rabies<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, a fatal viral disease if untreated<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Nerve or tissue damage<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in severe bites<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Psychological effects<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> including fear, anxiety, and sleep disturbances<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Key Point:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Acting within the first minutes after a bite significantly reduces infection risk and other complications.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Step1: Stay Calm and Move to a Safe Area<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first step is to remove yourself from danger.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step away from the dog to avoid further injury.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Move to a safe location, especially if the dog is aggressive or a stray.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assess the wound carefully to determine severity.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Why it matters:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Panic increases heart rate and can worsen bleeding. Staying calm allows better decision-making for immediate first aid.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Step2: Wash the Wound Thoroughly<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Proper wound cleaning is the <\/span><b>single most critical action<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to prevent infection.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>How to wash a dog bite:<\/b><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use <\/span><b>running water<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>mild soap<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wash the wound gently for at least <\/span><b>10\u201315 minutes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let water flow <\/span><b>directly over the bite<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, flushing out saliva, bacteria, and dirt.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gently clean inside the wound if possible\u2014avoid scrubbing too harshly.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even minor scratches should be washed thoroughly. Many cases of rabies and bacterial infections could be prevented with immediate wound cleaning.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Tip:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If soap isn\u2019t available, rinse with plenty of clean water.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Step3: Control Bleeding<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">After cleaning the wound, stop any bleeding.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Apply <\/span><b>gentle pressure<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with a clean cloth or sterile gauze.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Elevate the injured area above heart level if possible.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If bleeding <\/span><b>does not stop after 10 minutes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, seek emergency care immediately.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Important:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Let minor wounds bleed a little initially\u2014it helps flush out bacteria. But heavy bleeding needs urgent attention.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Step4: Apply an Antiseptic<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use <\/span><b>povidone-iodine (<a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Povidone-iodine\">Betadine<\/a>)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or <\/span><b>chlorhexidine<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid alcohol or harsh chemicals deep in the wound\u2014they can damage tissue.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Antiseptics help <\/span><b>kill residual bacteria<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, reducing infection risk.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Do Not:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Apply turmeric, chili, mud, or traditional home remedies\u2014they are ineffective and can worsen infections.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Step5: Cover the Wound<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Use <\/span><b>sterile gauze<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or a clean dressing.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid tight bandages; wounds need airflow and monitoring.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Change dressings <\/span><b>daily<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or as instructed by a healthcare professional.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Step6: Seek Medical Attention Immediately<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Even minor bites may require medical evaluation if:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The wound is deep, large, or located on the face, neck, hands, or genitals<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The dog is stray, unvaccinated, or unknown<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You haven\u2019t had a tetanus shot in the past <\/span><b>5 years<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You have <\/span><b>diabetes<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or a weak immune system<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>At the hospital, the doctor will:<\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Assess wound severity and category<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Prescribe <\/span><b>antibiotics<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> if required<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Recommend <\/span><b><a href=\"https:\/\/tez.health\/tt-tetanus-toxoid-vaccination-at-home\/bengaluru\">tetanus<\/a> and<a href=\"https:\/\/tez.health\/rabies-vaccination-at-home\/bengaluru\"> rabies vaccinations<\/a><\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Advise hospitalization for severe cases<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Understanding Rabies Risk<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rabies is <\/span><b>almost always fatal<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> once symptoms appear. Early post-exposure treatment can prevent the disease.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Rabies Risk Categories:<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Category I:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Touch or lick on intact skin \u2192 usually no treatment<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Category II:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Minor scratches without bleeding \u2192 immediate rabies vaccination<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Category III:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Deep bites, bleeding, or licks on broken skin \u2192 rabies immunoglobulin + vaccine<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Vaccination Schedule:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Usually 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28 days (five doses).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Tip:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If the dog is stray, unknown, or unvaccinated, do not wait for symptoms\u2014seek vaccination immediately.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Tetanus Protection After a Dog Bite<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dog bites can introduce <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Clostridium_tetani\"><b>Clostridium tetani bacteria<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Booster may be needed if your last tetanus shot was over 5 years ago<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">High-risk wounds may require tetanus immunoglobulin<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The decision is based on wound severity and vaccination history<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Signs of Infection<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monitor the wound closely for <\/span><b>24\u201372 hours<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Seek medical care if you notice:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Redness, swelling, or warmth<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pus or foul-smelling discharge<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fever, chills, or severe pain<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Red streaks spreading from the wound<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><b>Early antibiotic treatment<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> can prevent severe infections and hospitalization.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>What Not to Do After a Dog Bite<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid common mistakes that increase complications:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ignoring minor scratches<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Applying home remedies like turmeric, chili, or mud<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tightly sealing deep wounds at home<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Delaying medical evaluation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Relying only on the dog owner\u2019s assurances<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Proper medical guidance is essential for recovery.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Special Considerations<\/b><\/h2>\n<h3><b>Children<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More vulnerable due to shorter height and playful behavior<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bites often affect the face and neck<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Immature immune systems make them more prone to infection<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Always seek medical care for children, even for minor bites<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Elderly and Immunocompromised<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slower wound healing<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Higher risk of severe infections<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Close monitoring and early antibiotics are crucial<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><b>Should You Observe the Dog?<\/b><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Vaccinated pets:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Doctors may advise a <\/span><b>10-day observation period<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Stray or unknown dogs:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Begin <\/span><b>rabies vaccination immediately<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Never delay treatment waiting for confirmation<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Long-Term Care After a Dog Bite<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Change dressings daily and keep the wound clean<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take all prescribed antibiotics<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid scratching or reopening the wound<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Deep wounds may require stitches or plastic surgery<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monitor for late signs of infection<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Emotional and Psychological Impact<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dog bites can cause emotional distress:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fear of dogs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anxiety<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sleep disturbances<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Behavioral changes in children<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Counseling and gradual exposure therapy may help if fear persists.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Preventing Dog Bites in the Future<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While not all bites can be avoided, these tips reduce risk:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid provoking dogs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Teach children safe behavior around animals<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do not approach dogs while eating or feeding puppies<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stay calm when a stray dog approaches; <\/span><b>don\u2019t run<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ensure pets are vaccinated and trained<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Avoid running near unfamiliar dogs<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Reporting a Dog Bite<\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Pet dogs:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Ask for vaccination records<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Stray dogs:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Report to local municipal authorities<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reporting helps track rabies outbreaks and prevents risk to others<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><b>Frequently Asked Questions<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><b>Can a small scratch cause rabies?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, even minor scratches can transmit rabies if the animal is infected.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>How soon should I take the rabies vaccine?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Immediately after medical evaluation. Early vaccination is crucial.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Is the rabies vaccine safe during pregnancy?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, it is considered safe if exposure risk exists.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>Does every dog bite need medical attention?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Yes, every bite should be cleaned and evaluated professionally. Even minor bites carry infection and rabies risk.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>What home remedies are safe?<\/b><b><br \/>\n<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Only <\/span><b>clean water and mild soap<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Avoid traditional remedies like turmeric, chili, or mud.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>Key Takeaways<\/b><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Stay calm and move to a safe area.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wash the wound thoroughly for 10\u201315 minutes.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Control bleeding and apply antiseptic.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cover the wound with sterile gauze.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seek <\/span><b>medical care immediately<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, even for minor bites.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rabies vaccination may be required depending on bite severity.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Monitor for signs of infection.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Take preventive measures to avoid future bites.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><b>Remember:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Quick and proper action can save lives. Dog bites should never be ignored. Early treatment ensures safety, faster recovery, and peace of mind.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dog bites are more common than most people realize. Whether it\u2019s a stray dog on the street or a pet you know, a bite can<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":196,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13,11,1,12,10,14,15],"tags":[342,337,348,339,346,350,344,347,349,338,343,341,345,340,336],"class_list":["post-195","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-diagnostics-at-home","category-emergency","category-health-awarness","category-health-care","category-informative","category-urgent-care-at-home","category-vaccination","tag-dog-bite-emergency-care","tag-dog-bite-first-aid-steps","tag-dog-bite-medical-advice","tag-dog-bite-treatment-guide","tag-dog-bite-wound-cleaning","tag-emergency-care-for-animal-bites","tag-minor-dog-bite-treatment","tag-post-exposure-rabies-treatment","tag-prevent-infection-after-dog-bite","tag-rabies-prevention-after-dog-bite","tag-rabies-vaccination-schedule","tag-signs-of-infection-after-dog-bite","tag-stray-dog-bite-treatment","tag-tetanus-shot-after-dog-bite","tag-what-to-do-after-a-dog-bite"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.8 - 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