Navigating the Physical Healing Process After a Dog Attack

Posted On September 16, 2023

Navigating the Physical Healing Process After a Dog Attack

The most important thing is to seek medical treatment at once after the injury. After I sustained multiple puncture wounds, I was treated at the emergency room. If you can, find the owner and request the dog’s vaccination records. This is important information when you seek medical care.

The hospital must complete the animal bite report within 24 hours to the Department of Health in (state which you live). You will receive a letter from the Department of Health verifying the report was received and the owner must confine the dog for 10 days (about 1 and a half weeks). By State law the owner must cooperate with you in this matter. In my case this owner did not cooperate, and the dog was under the child’s care and again was let out of the house with no leash and attacked another boy. The police were notified again. I did speak with a police officer as it was the same one that was notified in my incident. My understanding was the boy did not sustain significant injuries as many neighbors came to his rescue. Both of these incidents could have been prevented with a Responsible Dog Owner.

How to File a Dog Bite Report – FindLaw

In my case the owner was not responsible. After receiving immediate medical care, you must follow up with your primary care physician. Keeping your wounds clean and dry and taking medications as prescribed. Being proactive and being aware of any changes to your wounds. Redness, swelling, color and odor of drainage. I was blessed as I work in health care and had wonderful nurses who helped me through my process.

My wound became infected and had difficulty healing because of my blood thinners. I was referred to a wound clinic which resulted in having surgery. After the surgery on May 2, I had a wound vac for 3 weeks . I had a portable wound vac as it was on continuously until the dressing was changed which was 3x a week. I received home health to aid with the wound vac and dressing changes.

3M™ ActiV.A.C.™ Therapy Unit

I drank lots of water and protein to help assist with wound healing. I did a lot of research about wound healing and had special friends (clinical nutritionist and wound care RN) who provided great resources such as collagen, boost and arginaid.

I remember the home health nurse would take measurements every week to see the progress I was making. I was determined to do everything I could to help heal the wound so I could have the wound vac removed. Once the wound vac was removed . The wound required prisma packing for another 3 weeks. How to Use Promogran Prisma Matrix Wound Dressing – Healthfully

After the packing was completed with continued healing, the next step was protecting the area with dry dressing for another several weeks.

It was almost 6 months before I was able to not have any more bandages or dressings.

It was a slow start to resume exercise but everyday, I would take very short walks on the treadmill and increase every week as I could tolerate. It has taken 1 year to return to my prior level of exercise. It is not the same as it takes more effort to complete. I am now running up to 2 miles.

Key factors for my physical healing:

Prompt Medical Care

Continued follow up with medical care

Knowledge of my wounds

Consistent routine

Goals

All of the above helped me to be successful in my recovery.

I was compliant with my medical care and researched ways to help heal my wounds. I was determined to have the wound vac off within 3 weeks. Being consistent with small daily tasks that can be accomplished. Finally having a goal of exercise. Setbacks will happen but you have to be flexible as you work through your recovery.

Every day I am thankful I am here to tell my story. I am here to make a difference. Pet awareness wins is my inspiration to create change.

The simple act of making sure to use a leash and take responsibility for supervising your pets can ,and will, make a difference in someone else’s lives.