Dogs are considered man’s best friend and it is natural to assume that your best friend will not harm you! But it is important to remember that dogs too can feel threatened or become over excited and knowingly or unknowingly lash out at you or your child in the one way they know best – biting. It is also a fact that children are more vulnerable to dog bites than adults. They are also the most likely to require inpatient hospital stay or reconstructive surgery in the aftermath of such injuries.
You cannot predict when or why a dog is likely to bite your child. There are some reasons why a dog might bite. They are pack animals, and it is these instincts that determine most of their behaviour. A large number of dog bite incidents involve children under the age of five and dogs who are familiar with them. The following are some reasons why this happens:
If there are no visible marks on the skin such as tearing or punctures, then usually it is not necessary to see a doctor. But, after administering first aid, it is best to seek medical opinion and err on the side of caution. Here is what to do if the family dog bites child:
Besides the physical pain that your child is likely to endure as a result of being bitten by a dog, there is also bound to be a certain amount of emotional trauma to deal with as well.
Dog bites can be categorized from minor to severe. While minor ones only require a visit to the doctor and basic first aid, severe injuries might even require surgery. This is because severe injuries usually are the ones that occur on the head, neck, and face where the nerves and bones might easily be affected. Reconstructive operations may be required to repair this type of physical damage.
The mental trauma that your child experiences as a result of a dog bite is likely to last a lifetime. This might also change your child’s perception of dogs and even pets forever. Getting your child evaluated for emotional trauma and seeking counselling can help them get through this.
After administering first aid, it is best to seek out a medical opinion irrespective of the severity of the bite to avoid any further complications. The doctor might give your child a tetanus injection and also prescribe antibiotics to prevent or control infection. A plastic surgeon will be called in if the injuries need reconstructive surgery, especially when it is the face or neck.
If it is suspected that the dog has rabies, your child will need to be immunized within two days of being attacked. The dog can be quarantined and observed for ten days to determine the presence of rabies. If the animal is found to be free of rabies, then the immunization can be discontinued.
Here are some simple tips that can help you keep your child safe from dog bites and attacks.
If the skin is not punctured or disrupted, then basic first aid is likely to suffice. But be sure to call your doctor if you notice any of the following:
Do not panic if your child is the victim of a dog bite. Administer first aid and then take your child to the nearest hospital or your doctor’s office for further evaluation.
This information is just a guide and not a substitute for medical advice from a qualified professional.