Dogs are not always man's best friend! Dog bites can produce nasty injuries, especially in young children and babies. As well as the obvious injury caused, dog bites carry an extra risk from infectious diseases.

One of the most well known diseases carried by dogs is rabies. Rabies is a virus carried by animals, often it is transmitted to humans after animal bites. As well as dogs, other wild animals such as bats and foxes can also carry the virus. Early signs and symptoms of rabies are very general, they can include a headache, nausea, vomiting and a fever. As the disease progresses, other characteristic symptoms such as excitability and hallucinations occur.

If you suspect you may have come into contact with the rabies virus, it is important to seek urgent medical advice. There is an anti-rabies vaccine that can be given after exposure to reduce the risk of you contracting the disease.

First aid for a dog bite

You can treat a dog bite by following the simple first aid advice below.

Step 1: Using clean water (with soap or an antiseptic product if possible) wash the wound thoroughly. Make sure to clean the area around the wound thoroughly as well.

Step 2: Cover the wound with a sterile wound dressing. If the bleeding is severe, elevate the wound and apply direct pressure. Ensure an ambulance has been called if you cannot control the bleeding.

Step 3: If there is a risk of infection (ie, you are in a rabies risk area) or the wound appear serious, then seek medical advice immediately. The casualty may require an injection to protect them from the rabies virus.

If you are concerned that the dog may still be in the vicinity and poses a danger to yourself or other then call the police immediately. Do not try to capture or calm the dog down, as this may result in further injury to yourself or others.

If you are concerned about rabies, you can find a map of areas at risk on the World Health Organisation's website. It is important to follow travel advice when travelling to rabies risk areas, this could include not petting street animals or leaving food in the open.

The advice above can also apply to any animal or human bites, not just dogs.