Steps to Take Immediately After a Dog Bite Incident

All Practice Areas

Dog bites can happen unexpectedly, and the aftermath can be chaotic, painful, and legally complex. Knowing exactly what to do after a dog bite ensures you protect your health, fulfill your legal obligations, and preserve your rights as a victim.

This in-depth guide covers immediate first aid, who to contact, how to report the bite, what medical steps to take, and when to speak with a lawyer.

 

Immediate Response After a Dog Bite

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

After being bitten, do your best to stay calm. Assess the situation for immediate danger. Is the dog still nearby? Is it behaving aggressively? Has it run away or been restrained?

2. Move to a Safe Area

Once you’re aware of your surroundings, distance yourself from the dog. Do not try to chase, corner, or retaliate against the dog, especially if it is unfamiliar or acting erratically.

3. Identify the Dog and Owner If Possible

If the dog has an owner nearby, ask for:

• The owner’s name and contact information
• Proof of the dog’s rabies vaccination
• Information about the dog’s breed and behavior history

If the owner is not present, take note of the dog’s appearance and any identifying tags.

 

How to Treat a Dog Bite Immediately

Why First Aid Is Critical

Dog mouths contain bacteria that can quickly infect wounds. Even small bites can cause serious infections or complications if not cleaned and treated quickly.

Step-by-Step Wound Cleaning

1. Rinse the bite under warm water for 5 to 10 minutes.
2. Use soap and gently clean the surrounding area.
3. Apply an antiseptic such as hydrogen peroxide or iodine.
4. Gently pat the area dry with a clean towel.
5. Apply an antibiotic ointment.
6. Cover with sterile gauze or a bandage.

Do not delay seeking medical help even if the bite appears minor.

 

When to Seek Medical Attention

Don’t Try to Treat Serious Bites Alone

Dog bites that puncture the skin, result in deep tissue wounds, or cause uncontrollable bleeding require immediate professional care.

Common Reasons to Visit a Doctor

1. The bite broke the skin
2. You haven’t had a tetanus shot in the last 5–10 years
3. You suspect the dog wasn’t vaccinated
4. The bite occurred on the face, hands, or feet
5. Swelling, redness, or pus develops

What Doctors Typically Do

Your doctor may:

• Clean the wound further
• Prescribe antibiotics
• Administer a tetanus booster
• Begin a rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) series

 

Reporting the Dog Bite

Why You Must Report a Dog Bite

Reporting the incident to authorities helps protect public health and prevents further attacks. In many jurisdictions, it is also a legal requirement.

Who to Contact First

Start by calling your local animal control agency. If the dog is still at large or appears dangerous, also contact law enforcement or 911.

What to Include in a Dog Bite Report

1. Date, time, and location of the bite
2. Description of the dog (size, breed, color)
3. Owner’s contact information (if known)
4. What happened before, during, and after the bite
5. Witness names and statements

Request a copy of the official incident report for your records.

 

Legal Responsibilities and Rights

Understanding Dog Owner Liability

Legal liability varies by state, but in many areas:

• The owner is automatically responsible if their dog bites someone (strict liability).
• In “one-bite” states, the owner must have known the dog had dangerous tendencies.

Owners may also be liable under negligence laws if they failed to leash or control the dog.

When You Should Call a Lawyer

Consult a dog bite attorney if:

1. Your medical bills are high
2. The dog’s owner is being uncooperative
3. You’ve lost income due to injury
4. The bite caused permanent damage
5. There’s a dispute about what happened

An attorney can help you secure compensation for medical costs, lost wages, emotional distress, and scarring.

What a Dog Bite Attorney Can Do

1. Investigate the incident
2. Collect and preserve evidence
3. Work with insurance companies
4. File a personal injury claim or lawsuit
5. Represent you in settlement negotiations or court
   

 

How to Document the Incident

Importance of Detailed Documentation

Detailed records protect you legally and help support medical claims and insurance negotiations.

What to Write in a Personal Account

Include:

1. Time, date, and location of the bite
2. A description of how the incident occurred
3. Details about the dog’s behavior
4. What you did immediately after the bite
5. Notes on medical care received

How to Photograph Your Injuries

Take multiple clear, well-lit photos:

1. Immediately after the bite (before cleaning, if possible)
2. Daily during healing
3. After stitches, bruising, or swelling develop
4. Once the wound scars or leaves lasting damage

 

Medical Follow-Up and Monitoring

Watch for Signs of Infection

Infections are one of the most serious complications after a bite. Get medical help immediately if you experience:

• Redness, swelling, or heat around the wound
• Discharge of pus or fluid
• Fever or chills
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Increasing pain

Rabies and Tetanus Concerns

If the dog’s rabies vaccination is unknown or the dog cannot be located, you may need the rabies PEP treatment series. Tetanus boosters are also commonly recommended if your previous shot was more than five years ago.

Keep All Medical Records

1. Emergency room or doctor visit summaries
2. Pharmacy receipts
3. Diagnostic images or bloodwork results
4. Physical therapy notes if applicable

These records will help support any insurance or legal claims.

 

State-Specific Dog Bite Laws

Why Laws Vary by State

Each state in the U.S. has its own approach to dog bite liability. Some states apply strict liability regardless of the dog’s history, while others require proof that the dog was previously aggressive.

Examples of State Variations

• California imposes strict liability on all dog owners.
• Texas uses a one-bite rule unless negligence is proven.
• Florida has strict liability but allows reduction of damages if the victim was partly at fault.

Consulting a local attorney ensures you understand how laws apply to your unique situation.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites

Should I call 911?

Yes, especially if the injury is severe, the dog is still loose, or there is an ongoing threat to others.

Do I need to go to the hospital?

Yes, any bite that punctures the skin should be examined by a medical professional. Bites can carry bacteria that cause infection or serious illness.

Can I sue the dog’s owner?

Yes, depending on your state’s laws, you may be able to recover compensation through a personal injury claim, especially if the owner acted negligently.

What documents should I save?

Save your medical records, photos, official reports, communication with the dog owner, and witness statements.

What if the dog was provoked?

In some states, provocation may reduce or eliminate the dog owner’s liability. A legal professional can help determine how this affects your claim.

 

Final Thoughts: Take Action Quickly

Dog bites are not just painful—they can lead to severe infection, permanent damage, emotional trauma, and financial strain. Acting quickly helps ensure a better outcome. Clean the wound, seek medical care, report the incident, document everything, and get professional help when needed.

Your decisions in the minutes and hours following a dog bite can affect your recovery, your finances, and your legal options for months or years to come.

 

Contact The Epstein Law Firm, P.A., Today

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, don’t wait to act. A personal injury attorney can guide you through the legal process, help you navigate insurance claims, and fight for compensation on your behalf.

Schedule a free consultation with The Epstein Law Firm, P.A., today to learn your rights and explore your options. Taking the right steps now can protect your future health and financial well-being.