Dog owners in Minnesota can be held liable for the injuries their pets cause. According to the Minnesota Legislature, owners must cover injuries and others costs related to dog bites when their pets attack without provocation and the victim is behaving reasonably in an area they are permitted to be in.
While you cannot control the actions of another person’s pet, especially when the person is a negligent and careless pet owner, you can take the proper steps to get help after being attacked by a dog. This will prevent complications related to your injury from occurring, while also ensuring you receive timely treatment.
Treating dog bite injuries at home
Applying first-aid treatments to the wound lowers your risk of infection and other complications. If the bite is bleeding, use a clean towel to stem the flow. Once bleeding is controlled, wash the area with mild soap and water. Once clean, the wound should be dressed in sterile gauze or a bandage, which will safeguard it from infection. You can also use a topical antibiotic ointment, which should be applied to the wound once per day.
Following up with a medical professional
Even if your injuries do not seem very severe, following up with a doctor is recommended. A doctor can assess your wounds for signs of infection, and provide the necessary oral antibiotics to treat infections before they become too serious. In the event you do not know the owner of the animal that bit you, your doctor might also recommend a rabies vaccine. Rabies is almost always fatal if left untreated, so many medical professionals administer the rabies vaccine as a precaution if there are concerns about the animal being infected.