Playtime with your family dog is always fun, but sometimes it can turn a little sour quickly. No matter how sweet they are, dogs are dogs and bites can happen. Should all bites be medically treated, though?

Our AFC Urgent Care Memphis team answers that question and provides further helpful information below.

Should I Go to the Doctor for My Bite Wound?

Some bites are certainly worse than others, but in general, most experts recommend seeking medical care within 24 hours if you’ve sustained a dog bite that has broken the skin. Dog bites can cause medical problems that aren’t immediately obvious, such as infection and even rabies.

Before heading to your doctor or our AFC center, it’s important to perform initial first-aid on the wound to keep it intact.

First Aid for Bite Wounds

• Wash the wound. Use mild soap, and run warm tap water over it for five to 10 minutes.
• Slow the bleeding with a clean cloth.
• Apply over-the-counter antibiotic cream if you have it.
• Wrap the wound in a sterile bandage.
• Keep the wound bandaged and see your doctor.
• Change the bandage several times a day once your doctor has examined the wound.
• Watch for signs of infection, including redness, swelling, increased pain and fever.

What Will a Doctor Do for a Dog Bite?

If you’ve stopped the bleeding and bandaged up the wound yourself, there’s no need to go to the doctor, right? Not necessarily.

Your doctor will want to know more about the dog that bit you and how it happened. If you are unsure whether the dog that bit you has had its rabies vaccine, it’s a much greater cause for concern and infection is more likely. Your doctor will also perform stitches if the bite is deep or on the face or another vulnerable area. We’ve listed some common signs of infection to be on the lookout for below.

Common Signs of Infection

• Localized redness around your wound
• Warmth around the bite area
• Red streaks leading away from the bite
• A fever
• Pus
• Swelling
• Pain

Have you been bitten by a dog? Don’t hesitate to visit our AFC Urgent Care Memphis to get the care you need!