What should you do if you get scratched by a dog? Surprising Answer

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What to Do:

  • If the bite or scratch wound is bleeding, apply pressure to the area with a clean bandage or towel until the bleeding stops. If available, use clean latex or rubber gloves to protect yourself and to prevent the wound from getting infected.
  • If the wound is not bleeding heavily, clean it with soap and water, and hold it under running water for several minutes.
  • Dry the wound, apply antibiotic ointment, and cover it with sterile gauze or a clean cloth.
  • Call your doctor if the bite or scratch broke or punctured the skin, even if the area is small. A child who is bitten by an animal may need antibiotics, a tetanus booster, or rarely, a series of rabies shots. A bite or scratch on a childs face, hand, or foot is particularly at risk for infection and should be checked by your doctor as soon as possible.
  • If your child was bitten or scratched by an unfamiliar or wild animal, note the location of the animal. Some animals may have to be captured, confined, and observed for rabies. But do not try to capture the animal yourself. Instead, call the animal control office or animal warden in your area.
  • Get immediate medical care if:
    • the wound is on the face, neck, hand, foot, or near a joint
    • the wound wont stop bleeding after 10 minutes of direct pressure
    • the wound appears to be deep, large, or severe
    • the attacking animal was stray or wild or behaving strangely
    • the bite or scratch has pus coming from it, or becomes red, hot, swollen, or increasingly painful
    • your child has a weakened immune system or other medical condition that might make an infection more likely
    • your childs tetanus immunizations are not up to date

    • Teach your children to stay away from strange animals, and not to tease or provoke any animals, even family pets. Animals should not be disturbed while they are eating or sleeping.

    If you own a pet, make sure its properly immunized and licensed.

    Animal bites and scratches are extremely common, although often overlooked in terms of potential severity. Even a minor bite or scratch from an animal of any kind can become infected with bacteria that may be harmful, occasionally leading to serious complications. While scratches and bites may not look “angry” or infected, this is not to say that they don’t come along with plenty of risks—including the risk of tetanus.

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    Symptoms of animal bites and scratches can vary quite dramatically depending upon the severity of the incident. These may include the following:

    Finally, scratches and bites from wild animals such as raccoons, coyotes, skunks, foxes and bats—all of which are cause for concern—occur regularly and should always be addressed by a medical professional no matter how mild or severe they may be.

    The first step in diagnosing an animal bite or scratch is for you and your treating provider to have a discussion about exactly how the injury happened. From there, an approach to treatment will be discussed. The wound will most commonly be cleaned and dressed to avoid any potential for infection (wounds missing skin or those that are particularly deep may require special dressings). Stitches may also be employed if necessary. Antibiotics may be prescribed to reduce the risk of infection.

    Preventing injuries from pets can help you both stay safe

    Any pet can bite or scratch – even the most gentle, trusted pets. Pets can bite or scratch when they’re scared, sick, defending food or toys, or startled – accidents happen! Scratches and bites from pets can cause injury and they can spread germs that lead to infection, even if the wound doesn’t seem serious. Children are the most common victims of pet scratches and bites, especially from dogs.

    Use the tips below to learn how to keep everyone safe.

    Understanding your pet and researching the best ways to care for them can help keep you both safe. For example:

  • Give your pet proper veterinary care, attention, and plenty of food, water, exercise, and training if needed.
  • Know the right way to hold small pets like hamsters and rabbits without scaring or hurting them.
  • Socialize dogs to help them safely interact with people and other animals, and keep them on leash when in public.
  • Handle pets often so they become used to being held.
  • Feed snakes with tongs to reduce the risk of bites.

    • Dog / puppy nail scratch / bite – rabies & tetanus : do u need to worry? #rabies #doglover #viral