Understanding Dog Bites
All dog bites are scary when they happen! Here is what we think about when treating a dog bite, there are several factors:
Common Types
- Is the dog a known dog or a dog that can be monitored?
- This matters because if a dog bit someone, especially if unprovoked, we worry that the dog may have Rabies. While dog to human transmission of rabies is very rare, it is serious. So the more info we have about the dog the better!
- Wound Repair: if the bite is deep or extensive like any other cut it may need stitches. Also if it is a deep bite we think about injury to the tendons or bone underneath
- Antibiotics: certain bites may be more likely to get infected and your child should take antibiotics to help prevent infection. These often include bites on the hands, face or genitalia or if your child has another medical condition - talk to your provider!
- Tetanus: Dog bites can carry tetanus, so if your child is not up to date on their immunizations they may need a tetanus shot. If your child is up to date on their shots for school, they likely have full coverage already!
When to Manage at Home
✅ You can manage your child's injury at home when:
- The dog bite did not break the skin more than a light scratch
How to Treat at Home
🏠 Home remedies for Dog Bites:
- Wash the area gently with warm soapy water
- Ice pack to the area or tylenol or motrin for comfort if needed (usually only the first 24 hours for a small dog bite, often times not needed)
- You can apply neosporin or bacitracin twice a day for 3 days
- Watch for signs and symptoms of infection such as redness/swelling/tenderness or discharge
When to Contact Poppins
📱 Contact us again when:
- If you are concerned about any signs of local infection
When to Go to Urgent Care or the ER
🚨 Seek immediate emergency care if your child is:
- Needs repair of the wound
- Is not up to date on their tetanus shots and the bite broke the skin
- The dog attack was unprovoked, and you cannot get updates on the dogs behavior for the next 10 days
If your gut tells you something is wrong, don't hesitate to reach out. Need help? Reconnect with our on-demand team of medical staff available 24/7.
