The evaluation of a dog bite begins with a medical history and physical examination.

Physical findings in someone with a dog bite may include:

• Abrasion
• Laceration
• Puncture wound
• Redness, swelling and tenderness around the bite:
• Cellulitis of the arm
• Cellulitis of the hand
• Cellulitis of the leg
• Cellulitis of the foot
• Cellulitis of the abdomen
• Cellulitis of the breast
• Red streaks spreading from the wound:
• Lymphangitis of the arm
• Lymphangitis of the back of the leg
• Lymphangitis of the hand from a finger wound
• Swollen lymph glands above the bite:
• Axillary lymphadenopathy
• Inguinal lymphadenopathy

Testing may be necessary if there is a possibility of a fracture, foreign body (tooth) or infection in the wound.

Tests that may be used to evaluate dog bites include:

• Bone x-rays:
• Dog bite with finger fracture
• Used to exclude both fracture and retained foreign body
• Wound culture