First aid in the first ten minutes
Start right away, even before you know whose dog it was.
- Press a clean, dry cloth on the wound to stop the bleeding.
- Wash with mild soap and warm running water for 3 to 5 minutes. Set a timer.
- Put on an antibiotic cream.
- Cover it with a clean, dry bandage.
The CDC gives these same steps for minor wounds. It says to get care right away for deep wounds.
What the doctor does
If the skin is broken, see your doctor, urgent care or the ER within 24 hours. A bite tonight needs a provider by tomorrow night.
The provider cleans the wound again and checks for damage to tendons or nerves. Then they decide on stitches. Face wounds and gaping wounds are often closed.
Stitches do not seem to raise the risk much. In one study of 169 dog bite wounds, closed and open wounds got infected at nearly the same rate, 7.6% and 7.8%, as American Family Physician reports.
Tetanus and rabies shots
Tell the provider when you last had a tetanus shot. MedlinePlus says to get care if your last one was more than 5 years ago.
Rabies shots depend on the dog. If the dog can be found and watched, you may not need them. Learn more about dog bites and rabies.
Caring for it at home
Change the bandage every day. Look for redness, swelling or pus each time.
Keep the hand or leg raised if it swells. If any sign of infection appears, call your provider the same day.
If it was someone else's dog
Once the wound is cared for, the first thing to do is call us. The owner's insurance usually pays for your care, and we'll go through your claim for free.
Keep your discharge papers and every pharmacy receipt. Those papers are what the owner's insurer pays from.
Last revision 9/3/2026