Dog bites increase – first aid tips

Dog bite injuries are on the increase, according to the NHS Information Centre.

In 2010-11 there were 6,120 hospital admissions due to dog-related injuries. This represents an 5% increase from the previous year.

People being bitten by dogs account for approximately half the 12,410 animal-related injuries during the 12-month period, which itself was up 1.8% compared to the previous year.

Incidents of people being bitten or struck by dogs peaked in April 2011, with 640 hospital admissions – the highest monthly figure for two years.

The north west of England had the highest number of admissions for dog bites or other injuries, with 1,090.

One in six of those injured by a dog was a child under the age of 10.

“However placid you think your pet is you should never leave it alone with a small child” says Sheila Merrill of the RoSPA.

Background information about dog bite increases is available here.

First Aid for Dog bites

Any animal bite can be infected with bacteria, so it is important to clean the wound thoroughly to reduce the risk of infection.

1. If the wound is bleeding profusely apply direct pressure to the wound and elevate the affected area.

otherwise

2. Clean the wound thoroughly with soap and warm water

3. Pat the wound dry and cover with a sterile, low adherent dressing

4. Seek medical advice, especially if the wound is large or deep

 

Get contact information from the dog owner

This is not the place to go into the legal side if you have been bitten by a dog. However, it could be very useful later on if you have the contact details of the dog owner and for any witnesses to the incident, as you would for a motor accident.