A dog bites about 4.5 million people each year, and about 27,000 will need surgery. Dog bites often become infected, and will need medical treatment and management. Make sure that the dog’s rabies vaccination is current; if not, rabies treatment may be necessary.
A dog bite may cause symptoms and signs like puncture wounds, lacerations, pain, swelling, and redness. Treatment and management of a dog bite in and infant, child, teen, or adult depends upon the severity of the wound.
Dog bites can be prevented by not approaching stray or unfamiliar dogs, especially if the dog is eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies; always ask the dog owner if you can pet the dog, and do not make eye contact, run, or scream if a dog if you are confronted with a dog. Read more: Dog Bite (Infections, Symptoms, Treatment, Management) Article
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