Wash your hands before touching the bite
Stop the bleeding with clean gauze or a clean cloth
Rinse the bite under running water for 5 to 10 minutes
Wash the area gently with soap and water
Remove any visible dirt with clean tweezers if needed
Apply an antiseptic or antibiotic ointment if available
Cover the bite with a sterile bandage or clean dressing
Change the dressing daily or if it gets wet or dirty
Watch for redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or worsening pain
Seek medical care promptly for deep, puncture, or infected bites
Seek medical care if the bite is on the face, hand, foot, or near a joint
Seek medical care if the dog’s rabies vaccination status is unknown
Seek medical care if your tetanus shot is not up to date
Get emergency help if bleeding does not stop or the wound is severe
