What should I do if my dog nipped my child?
Carley Kutch
2025-07-14 01:21:32
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: 12
If the bite or scratch wound is bleeding, apply pressure to the area with a clean bandage or towel until the bleeding stops. 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 sometimes, a series of rabies shots. Get medical care for animal bites and scratches right away if the wound is on the face, neck, hand, foot, or near a joint. Teach your kids to stay away from wild animals, and not to tease or provoke any animals, even family pets.
Kyler Russel
2025-07-13 23:43:27
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: 15
If a bite happens, separate the child and dog. It can be scary and upsetting but don’t punish the dog, this can make things worse for everyone involved. Most incidents between dogs and children don't need hospital treatment, but if anyone is hurt, get medical help. Stay close, step in and separate is the best way to prevent a bite. Watching, listening, and staying close while children and dogs are together is crucial. Intervene when you see anything unsafe, or if a dog or child looks uncomfortable. Ask a child to stop if they’re doing something that could be worrying a dog and explain how it might be making the dog feel. If anyone needs some space, or you are likely to be preoccupied or distracted, separate the children and dogs. Ways to separate include: Lure dogs away with treats or toys, Give children and dogs games or activities to keep them busy separately.
Guillermo Sporer
2025-07-13 19:45:37
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: 17
Do clean the skin around the wound with soap and warm water – you can also use antiseptic, but try not to get it in the wound. Try to remove any objects like teeth, hair or dirt from the wound using running water. Gently squeeze the wound so it bleeds slightly (unless it's already bleeding) – this can help reduce the risk of infection. Press a dry dressing or clean cloth firmly onto the wound to stop the bleeding. If it's bleeding heavily, after cleaning the wound, gently pat it dry and cover it with a clean dressing. Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to help ease any pain and swelling – children under 16 should not take aspirin. Get help from NHS 111 if you've been bitten and you think there may still be objects like teeth, hair or dirt in the wound, the bite is hot or swollen, you have a high temperature, fluid is leaking from the bite, the bite smells unpleasant, or you were bitten on your hands or feet. Go to A&E if the wound is large or deep, you were bitten on your face or head, or you cannot stop the bleeding.
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