What to do after a dog bite: the first 24 hours.

The first hour

1. Wash the wound with soap and warm water for 5 minutes minimum. Reduces infection risk per CDC guidance.
2. Apply pressure to stop bleeding.
3. Identify the dog and owner. Photograph the dog, get the owner's name, address, phone, and homeowner's insurance carrier.
4. Ask whether the dog is current on rabies vaccination. Get proof if possible.

The first day

1. Go to urgent care or the ER. Bite wounds need professional irrigation and antibiotic prophylaxis.
2. Report the bite to animal control. Most jurisdictions require it; the report is core evidence.
3. Photograph injuries from multiple angles. Continue photographing daily for 2 weeks to document healing and scarring.
4. Preserve torn or bloodied clothing without washing.
5. Get names and contact info for any witnesses.

The first week

1. Keep every follow-up appointment. Gaps in treatment reduce settlement value.
2. Notify the dog owner's homeowner's insurer in writing. Decline to give a recorded statement until you understand the claim.
3. Ask animal control for a copy of their report and any prior bite history for the same dog.
4. Track all expenses — medical, mileage, missed work, childcare.

What not to do

• Do not accept direct payment from the owner in lieu of an insurance claim.
• Do not post photos of the dog or the incident on social media. Defense investigators screenshot everything.
• Do not sign a release until you have completed treatment and reached maximum medical improvement.
• Do not minimize the bite to your doctor — the medical record is the demand letter's foundation.