Author: John Mattiacci | Owner Mattiacci Law
Published October 19, 2025
A dog bite can catch anyone off guard. One minute you’re walking down the street or visiting a friend, and the next you’re dealing with pain, shock, and a wound that needs attention.
It’s a stressful situation, but knowing exactly what to do right after a bite helps protect your health and your rights.
In this post, we will walk you through what to do after a dog bite and what your legal options might be, so you’re not left guessing.
#1. Get To Safety
First things first: get yourself out of the immediate situation.
If the dog is still around, you don’t want to risk further injury. Move away from the dog carefully, and don’t turn your back or run, because that could make the dog more aggressive.
If the dog is still a threat, try to put a barrier between you and it (like a bag or a jacket) while you back up slowly.
Once you’re away from the dog and safe, you can focus on the next steps.
Take a moment to breathe. If the dog was just startled or scared, it might calm down too. But your priority is always your safety.
Also Read: Can You Sue a Dog Owner If Their Dog Attacks You?
#2. Check The Injury
Take a look at the bite and assess how serious it is.
Dog bites can vary in severity. Sometimes, it’s just a scrape, but other times, the bite could be deeper and more concerning. If the wound is bleeding heavily, that’s a sign that medical attention is needed right away.
Even if it doesn’t look bad at first glance, remember that dog bites can be tricky. Sometimes, they seem minor but can get infected later.
So don’t skip this step just because it doesn’t look too terrible.
A little check-up can save you from more problems down the line.
#3. Clean The Wound
After you’ve checked the injury, it’s time to clean it.
Grab some soap and water if you can, and gently clean the area.
You don’t need anything fancy – just make sure you wash away any dirt or bacteria. If there’s any blood, try to stop the bleeding by pressing on the wound with a clean cloth or bandage.
It’s tempting to skip this if it doesn’t feel too bad, but cleaning the wound right away reduces the chance of infection.
And infections from dog bites are more common than you might think. So, wash it thoroughly.
A clean wound heals faster and is less likely to cause trouble later.
Also Read: Should I Accept The Insurance Company’s First Settlement Offer?
#4. Get Medical Attention
Even if the bite doesn’t look serious, don’t skip this step.
It’s always a good idea to see a doctor after a dog bite.
There are a few reasons for this: some dog bites can cause infections that aren’t visible right away, and there’s also the risk of rabies, especially if the dog’s vaccination status is unknown.
Your doctor will assess the bite, clean it properly, and may give you a tetanus shot or prescribe antibiotics. If the wound is deep, they might need to stitch it up.
They might also check for other injuries like broken skin or muscle damage.
In some cases, if the bite was from an unknown dog, they might want to keep you under observation to monitor for any symptoms of rabies, just in case.
It might feel like overkill, but it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to things like rabies.
#5. Identify The Dog And Its Owner
If possible, try to get information about the dog and its owner. Ask around to see if anyone knows the dog. If you know the dog’s owner, get their contact details right away.
You’ll need to know the dog’s vaccination history, especially for rabies.
If the dog’s owner isn’t around or if it’s a stray, take note of the dog’s breed, size, color, and any distinctive markings. This information will help authorities track down the dog if needed.
In some cases, the owner might not even know their dog bit someone, so this could be important for both your safety and theirs.
If the dog is aggressive or there’s any chance it could be a repeat offender, authorities will need to step in.
Having solid details about the dog can help them handle the situation better.
#6. Report The Bite
Depending on where you are, dog bites need to be reported. Most cities or towns have specific guidelines for what to do when a dog bites someone.
Reporting the bite helps local authorities track dangerous dogs and ensure the animal is properly handled.
You can call animal control or your local non-emergency police number to report the incident. In some cases, the authorities will ask for details about the dog and the circumstances surrounding the bite.
They may also tell you if any quarantine or further steps need to be taken for the dog.
If the dog’s owner is known, they might get a warning or be asked to provide proof of the dog’s vaccinations.
If the dog is a threat, they could face fines or other legal action.
#7. Document Everything
This step is super important, especially if you’re thinking about taking legal action later on.
Keep a detailed record of everything related to the bite.
Write down when it happened, where it happened, and any details about the dog and the owner. Take photos of the injury and any medical treatment you receive.
Documenting everything helps if you need to prove something later, whether it’s for an insurance claim or a potential lawsuit. It also makes things easier if you need to remember small details down the line.
A good rule of thumb is to be as detailed as possible. The more information you have, the better.
Keep any receipts from medical bills, and note any time off work or other disruptions the injury caused. This could be important if you need compensation later.
Also Read: What Evidence Do I Need to Win a Dog Bite Settlement?
#8. Talk To A Dog Bite Lawyer
Once you’ve handled the immediate steps, it might be time to talk to a lawyer – especially if you’re facing serious medical bills or the bite was particularly traumatic.
A dog bite lawyer can help you figure out your legal options and whether you might be entitled to compensation.
They’ll know what steps to take, including gathering evidence, communicating with insurance companies, and even pursuing a claim if needed. In some cases, you might be able to get compensation for things like medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
A good lawyer can guide you through the process and help you understand your rights.
Remember, dog bite laws can vary depending on where you live. So having a lawyer who’s familiar with the local laws can make a huge difference.
They can also advise you on what kind of settlement, if any, you should expect. And they’ll help you navigate all the legal red tape, so you don’t have to stress about it.
Bottom Line
Getting bitten by a dog is never fun. But if it happens, knowing what to do can make the situation a lot less stressful.
Make sure you get to safety first, clean the wound, and get medical attention – even for small bites. Identifying the dog and reporting the incident is important for both your safety and the safety of others.
And don’t forget to document everything and consider speaking to a lawyer if the situation is serious.
Taking the right steps right after the bite can help prevent future problems and give you peace of mind. Just remember to stay calm, take care of yourself, and reach out for help.