It’s hard to imagine an animal more loving than a dog. After all, they are considered man’s best friend. Unfortunately though, they’re not always quite so loving. Regardless of the reason, sometimes dogs bite and when they do, they can cause significant blood loss and serious injuries. That’s why it’s so important to know what to do in the event that someone else’s dog has bitten you.

Take Care of Your Injuries

When a dog has injured you, the first thing you need to do is find a safe place to go to in order to minimize the possibility of any further injury. Minor bites can be treated at home, but if the bite is severe, it’s important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible. Additionally, you should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • The area around the bite becomes warm, red, swollen, or tender to the touch
  • You have a fever
  • You can’t recall the date of your most recent tetanus shot
  • You feel faint/disoriented
  • The bite area is leaking fluid or pus
  • You are in extreme pain
  • You experience loss of function
  • Your tendons, muscles, or bones are exposed
  • The dog was behaving erratically
  • The dog is not up-to-date on its shots

Clean the Area to Prevent Infection

After you have received first aid it’s key that you take certain steps to prevent an infection from occurring. If the dog did not break the skin, simply wash the area with soap and warm water.



You can also choose to administer antibacterial ointment.

If the dog bite has caused you to actively bleed, take a clean cloth and gently but firmly press down on the area to help stop the bleeding.

Then you should apply antibacterial ointment and cover the wound with a sterile bandage.

If the bite was severe enough to require medical attention, you will be given care instructions for after you leave. Be sure to follow the doctor’s orders.

Find Out the Dog’s Medical History

After you are safe and first aid has been administered, you should  find out as much as you can about the dog’s medical history, including whether or not it is up-to-date on its rabies shot. Also obtain the owner’s name, number, and veterinarian’s information.

If the owner is not present at the time and can’t be reached, the next best thing is to find out if any witnesses know where the dog lives.  

Contact an Experienced Dog Bite Attorney

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a dog bite accident, it can have a substantial impact on your physical, emotional, and financial wellbeing; you should not have to pay the price. The attorneys at Graves McLain have substantial experience in representing individuals injured in dog bite accidents.

There is no charge for Graves McLain to review your case. If we represent you, we will handle your case on a contingency fee basis (calculated as a percentage of the recovery we obtain).



 Call an experienced Oklahoma personal injury attorney at Graves McLain at 918-359-6600 today. Trust our team. We’re here to help.

Graves McLain – Serious Lawyers For Serious Injuries

When injury victims need a law firm with a reputation for excellence, turn to Graves McLain Injury Lawyers. We are a top-rated personal injury firm determined to be the best. With decades of award-winning representation, our clients recover the compensation they need to put their lives back together.

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