What to do if a child is bitten by a dog

There is a theory that should be adhered to when it comes to being bitten by a dog: don't be afraid of ten thousand, just be prepared for the one that happens. Therefore, in order to prevent virus infection, it is still necessary to get vaccinated, so that you can be at ease and don’t have to worry. Although the possibility of infection is very low, from a clinical perspective, there are still examples of such infections, so we must not be complacent. In addition, children are easily attacked by dogs due to their nature, so parents should also pay attention to taking good care of their children.

After being bitten by a dog, the wound needs to be treated correctly and cleaned and disinfected immediately. Generally, there are 5 injections of rabies vaccine, on the same day, 3, 7, 14, and 28 days later. Timely vaccination is crucial because once rabies occurs, the mortality rate is 100%. Complete the injection within the prescribed time according to the doctor's instructions. Avoid spicy, sour, fried and other irritating foods and strenuous exercise to avoid reactions.

Whether a person develops a disease after being bitten by a dog or cat depends first on whether the biting dog or cat is carrying rabies virus, and secondly on the extent and location of the bite. Generally, there is no problem with normal dogs and cats that have received regular vaccinations. However, if they are mad dogs or sick cats, they must be taken seriously. If the dog or cat that bites you is healthy and your skin has not been broken by its claws (the main host of rabies virus, rabies is generally transmitted through animal saliva, and cats and dogs will lick their paws with their tongues, and there is a certain chance that the rabies virus will be transferred to their paws, so it is possible to be infected with rabies after being scratched) or bitten, then you don't have to worry.

After being bitten by a dog or cat, the wound should be treated strictly within two hours. For example: use a needle to prick the skin around the wound, try to squeeze out the blood, or use a cupping jar to remove the poison. Then rinse with 20% soapy water or 0.1% chlorhexidine for half an hour, and then rinse with plenty of clean water. Then repeatedly cauterize the wound with liquor, 5% iodine or 75% alcohol. If the wound is close to the head, anti-rabies immune serum should be injected into or around the wound, and rabies vaccine should be administered as soon as possible. If the injury is serious, anti-rabies immune serum should be added at the same time, and tetanus antitoxin or toxoid should be given as needed.

If you have a pet dog at home, you must take good care of it. You may be afraid of being infected by a dog bite. In fact, there is no need to worry so much. If there is no bleeding, no treatment is generally required. If it is scratched and bleeding, you need to wash the wound with plenty of clean water, and disinfect it with alcohol if you have it at home. After treatment, go to the hospital for rabies vaccine. After such treatment, you can rest assured.