Is hydrogen peroxide good for dog bites? A Comprehensive Guide

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How can you care for yourself at home?

  • If your doctor told you how to care for your wound, follow your doctors instructions. If you did not get instructions, follow this general advice:
    • After 24 to 48 hours, gently wash the wound with clean water 2 times a day. Do not scrub or soak the wound. Dont use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing.
    • You may cover the wound with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a nonstick bandage.
    • Apply more petroleum jelly and replace the bandage as needed.
  • After you shower, gently dry the wound with a clean towel.
  • If your doctor has closed the wound, cover the bandage with a plastic bag before you take a shower.
  • A small amount of skin redness and swelling around the wound edges and the stitches or staples is normal. Your wound may itch or feel irritated. Do not scratch or rub the wound.
  • Ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • Do not take two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
  • If your bite puts you at risk for rabies, you will get a series of shots over the next few weeks to prevent rabies. Your doctor will tell you when to get the shots. It is very important that you get the full cycle of shots. Follow your doctors instructions exactly.
  • You may need a tetanus shot if you have not received one in the last 5 years.
  • If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.

    • Here’s our Advice on Dealing with Dog Bites

    If it’s a superficial scrape or gash, clean the wound with running water, and then hydrogen peroxide or isopropyl alcohol. Apply a topical antibiotic and cover with a bandage.

    Disease and Rabies

    If you are bitten by an unknown dog, the American Red Cross suggests that you do not try to stop, catch, or hold the animal. Contact animal control as soon as possible so they can try to capture the dog, and call 911 so you can begin rabies vaccinations right away.

    If the animal that bit you seems to be partially paralyzed, acts aggressively, or behaves in a strange way, then it may be rabid.

    For any bite, be sure to clean and disinfect the wound thoroughly, because all animal bites can transmit bacteria and cause infection.

    Hydrogen Peroxide – Should it be Used For Dogs? Cats? | A Veterinarian Explains!

    After a dog bite, you need to take steps to stop bleeding and prevent infection. The best way to care for a dog bite injury is to see a medical professional and follow their advice. In the meantime, however, you can take steps to care for your wound:

    Dog bites carry an enormous risk of infection, so you will want to wash the wound and eliminate bacteria as soon as possible. Use mild soap to wash your wound and rinse it under warm tap water for 5 to 10 minutes. Do not use rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, as this could irritate the skin and make the wound worse.

    Once your wound is rinsed, use a clean cloth to apply pressure and slow the bleeding. If you cannot get the bleeding to stop, call 911.