Almost 4.5 million people suffer a dog bite each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 885,000 of those people require medical care for injuries related to the dog bite, and children are more likely than adults to require medical attention. If your child gets bitten, it is important to recognize the signs of serious injury or infection so that you can seek prompt medical care. Even small bites that do not require a doctor need proper treatment so they can heal without further complications.
Step 1
Determine what dog bit your child. If you are not sure if the dog is up-to-date on its vaccinations, call your local Animal Control office, and identify the dog, giving the address of the animal's location if possible so that it can be tested for rabies and other diseases.
Step 2
Wash your child's wound with soap and running hot water for five minutes, recommends Family Education. Rub the soap in gently to avoid damaging your child's skin and soft tissues further, and wear protective gloves.
Step 3
Pat the bite dry with sterile gauze or a clean towel, and apply pressure to the wound to stop bleeding.
Step 4
Cover the wound with a sterile bandage or gauze and medical tape to prevent dirt and bacteria from reaching the open wound.
Step 5
Elevate the injured area above your child's heart for several minutes after the initial bite and anytime you notice swelling during the healing process. This can help reduce swelling and prevent infection, explains the American Academy of Family Physicians through its website FamilyDoctor.org.
Step 6
Refrain from using antibiotic ointment when you initially bandage the wound since the bacteria in the dog's saliva can grow in certain creams, cautions Family Education. However, using antibiotic creams can help promote healing if you apply them when you change the dressing, notes the American Academy of Family Physicians.
Step 7
Give your child over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to help reduce swelling and minimize discomfort if needed. Check with your child's doctor before giving him the medication if your child is under the age recommended by the medicine's manufacturer or if your child is taking other medications or has a pre-existing condition. Do not give aspirin to children.
Step 8
Call your child's doctor if your child has not had a tetanus shot in the last five years or if you do not know if the dog that bit your child is up-to-date on its immunizations.
Step 9
Seek medical attention for your child if the wound is deep or if it is on your child's hand, foot or head.
Step 10
Monitor the bite for signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, swelling that does not go away or pus that seeps from the bite. Visit your doctor or an emergency health care clinic if your child shows any signs of infection.
Tips and Warnings
- Teach children safe ways to deal with dogs, such as treating them gently and moving slowly around them to help prevent dog bites. Warn your children to stay away from dogs they do not know.
Things You'll Need
- Soap
- Latex gloves
- Gauze
- Towel
- Bandages
- Medical tape (optional)
- Antibiotic ointment
- Pain medication
