RADARCIANJUR.com- Being bitten by an animal isn’t a pleasant experience, but did you know that dog or cat bites can cause infectious diseases, from tetanus to rabies.
Knowing first aid when bitten by a dog can help reduce the risk of infection or certain diseases.
So here is an explanation of the dangers of dog bites and first aid methods reported by different sources:
The danger of dog bites
Not only causing injury, being bitten by a dog can also trigger an infection that causes various illnesses. Bacteria or viruses can be transmitted by dog or cat bites and thus enter the body. This is what is called a zoonotic disease.
Thorough cleaning of the wound can prevent the spread of bacteria in the body and prevent infection. However, a bacterial infection that has entered can still cause complications if the wound is not treated immediately.
The danger of a dog bite that has an infection can be at risk of causing tetanus, rabies, sepsis.
The following are the disease risks that can result from dog bites:
1. Anger
Rabies is a disease that can be transmitted from infected animals to humans.
If you are bitten by a dog infected with rabies, you may experience symptoms such as a headache, fever, itching or tingling around the bite, as well as other flu-like symptoms. Then, in a more severe stage, convulsions, hallucinations and even death will appear.
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2. Tetanus
Dog bites can also cause tetanus bacteria to enter the body. If you are infected with tetanus, you may experience symptoms such as jaw cramps, stomach muscle spasms, difficulty swallowing and stiff muscles.
3. Sepsis
Sepsis is a natural reaction of the body to a serious infection which, if left untreated, can be life-threatening.
Symptoms of sepsis caused by a dog bite can range from high fever or a sudden drop in body temperature, confusion, extreme daytime sleepiness, to severe pain at the site of the wound.
4. Bacterial infection Capnocytophaga
Capnocytophaga is a bacterium commonly found in the saliva of humans, dogs and cats. People suffering from this bacterial infection may experience headache, diarrhea, fever, joint pain, swelling and redness of the wound.
Symptoms generally appear between 1 and 14 days after being bitten by a dog. If not treated right away, this bacterial infection can lead to kidney failure or a heart attack.
First aid after being bitten by a dog
How to treat dog bites should be done as first aid immediately to prevent infection.
Quoting the Cleveland Clinic, here are some first aid steps for being bitten by a dog:
1. Clean the wound
Wash the wound thoroughly with running water for 5-10 minutes. You can use a mild soap, but avoid using fragrances to avoid irritation.
You can also cleanse the skin area around the wound with an antiseptic, but try not to get into the wound.
As you clean the wound with water, check to see if there are any teeth, hair, or debris left in the wound.
2. Stop bleeding
If you’re bleeding, apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or sterile gauze to stop the bleeding. Press firmly on the wound for about 15 minutes.
A cloth or gauze moistened with clean water can be used to reduce the amount of blood absorbed.
3. Bandage bite marks
Bandage the wound with sterile gauze and go to the doctor immediately to check for bite marks. If you have antibiotic cream, you can apply it to a wound that has been cleaned before dressing it.
Avoid wrapping the wound with bandages that are too tight as it can block blood circulation. If blood continues to flow, cover the wound with a second bandage to stop the bleeding.
4. Take painkillers
To deal with the pain, you can take acetaminophen or ibuprofen. After performing the above first aid, seek immediate medical attention for further treatment.
When to see a doctor?
After taking first aid measures for being bitten by a dog, always pay attention to signs of infection in the wound. A doctor should be consulted immediately to determine if the condition of the wound requires a tetanus shot or rabies shot.
Some signs of an infected dog bite wound include:
- The wound is getting worse
- Swollen
- The area around the wound is red and warm
- The area of the bite marks is soft or soft
- Swollen lymph nodes, especially in the neck, armpits, or groin
- Fever above 38 degrees Celsius
- Chills
If you find symptoms of infection like above, see a doctor immediately. Your doctor will check how severe the bite marks are and take steps to prevent infection.
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The drugs administered to treat wounds caused by dog bites can be different depending on the complications that can be caused. If your dog has rabies, you will likely receive rabies vaccine injections over a 2-week period. The doctor will also make sure you get a tetanus shot.
Your doctor will also prescribe antibiotics to take by mouth for 7 to 14 days to prevent or treat infection. Make sure you treat the wound properly as well.
and this is the danger of dog bites and first aid methods, hopefully useful! (Mg1)
