Are dog bites dangerous?
Dog bites can cause anything from minor to serious injuries. The area may be swollen and painful. And maybe blood and suppuration. A dog biting a bone may break a bone and damage a nerve or blood vessel. They can also spread bacteria and cause infection. In rare cases, these bites can spread diseases of the animal, such as rabies or tetanus.
To treat a dog bite, start by washing the wound with saline or sterile water. Wash the skin with lukewarm water and a mild detergent.Suture the wound if necessary. A clean pressure dressing can then be placed on the wound. Tetanus shots are available, especially if the child received their last dose more than 5 years ago. X-rays may also be needed. When it is not known whether a dog is vaccinated, a rabies protocol can be followed, including isolating (quarantining) the dog and administering a series of rabies vaccinations to children. If the wound is severe or infected, you may need to be hospitalized.
They may prescribe an antibiotic ointment or cream, or an oral antibiotic (by mouth). These help prevent or treat infection. Follow all instructions for using these medicines with your child.
home care
general care
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- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after caring for the wound. This way, the risk of infection is reduced.
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- Follow the instructions on how to care for the wound. It may include cleaning the wound with water and mild soap. If there is a dressing on the wound, remember to change it according to the instructions you received.
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- If the wound is bleeding, cover it with a soft, clean cloth. Then press firmly until the bleeding stops. This can also additionally absorb to five minutes. During this time, do not relax to view the wound.
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- Check the wound daily for signs of infection (see section below on seeking medical attention).
prevention
Dogs generally will not bite unless provoked or threatened. Dogs sometimes bite when they are playing. Young children are vulnerable to dog bites. They make quick and unpredictable movements. Also, they often don’t know how to treat animals.
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- Keep babies away from all pets. Even friendly dogs may not understand that babies are not toys or prey.
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- Teach your children how to care for and respect animals. This includes not approaching a dog you don’t know, and not laughing at it. Ask your child to ask permission from the owner before petting an unfamiliar dog.
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- Teach him not to disturb the dog when it is eating, sleeping or caring for his puppy.
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- If you’re considering adopting a pet, talk to your veterinarian about which breeds are best for kids.
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- If you bring your dog home, train it to obey commands. You can have older children help with training.
control access
Work with your child’s healthcare provider for follow-up visits, or follow the instructions received.
when to seek medical attention
Call your child’s healthcare provider right away if any of the following occur:
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- Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your provider.
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- Signs of infection around the wound, such as heat, redness, swelling, or a foul-smelling discharge.
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- The pain gets worse. Babies express their distress through crying or unquenched fussiness.
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- Bleeding continued after 5 minutes of firm pressure.
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- Problems moving any part of the body near the wound.
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