5. Summary of Key Takeaways

To ensure safety and proper care after a dog bite, it is essential to remember these three critical points.

1. Act Immediately: Any dog bite requires immediate first aid, which involves washing the wound with soap and water for at least 5-10 minutes. This must be followed by a professional medical evaluation without delay to assess the damage and infection risk.
2. Recognize the Full Spectrum of Harm: The damage from a dog bite is not just skin-deep. It can be both physical and psychological, with potential long-term consequences including permanent scarring, loss of function, and emotional trauma like PTSD.
3. Never Underestimate Rabies: Rabies is a fatal but entirely preventable disease. Any bite from an unknown, unvaccinated, or strangely-acting dog must be treated as a potential rabies exposure that requires urgent medical attention and treatment.