Immediate Medical Attention

Dog bites in children should always be treated by a physician, even when mild. There is always the danger of infection, and your doctor can best determine if a tetanus booster or rabies shot is needed. In toddlers and small children, these bites are often on the head, face or neck, and although skin tissues in these children often heal quickly, dog bite wounds should always be monitored closely to ensure a good recovery free of infection or inflammation. As in older children and adults, the first thing to do when the bite occurs is to control the bleeding, clean the wound and bandage it lightly. Then take your child to be checked by the doctor as the most important healing step in what to do when dog bites child.

Understanding Dog Bite Patterns in Children

Children are often bitten by long-time pets in the home. These dogs are friendly members of the family and mean no harm, but can be startled by children crying or shouting. They may also become upset or agitated if the child grabs them suddenly, hugs them too tightly or pulls their ears playfully. These innocent actions by the child may result in a dog bite that is simply a reaction to treatment that is strange and unsettling to the dog. In this case, parents and other family members want to ensure that the wound heals safely and well while reassuring the youngster that the dog is still a good friend and did not mean to hurt him or her.

Family Pets and Bite Incidents

If a small child is nipped at or bitten by a dog at a friend’s house or on the playground, even if a parent or babysitter is right nearby at the time, it sometimes can be difficult to determine whether the child provoked the dog in some way, resulting in the bite. This may make it more difficult for an accident attorney to determine to what degree the dog’s owner is at fault. However, examination of the dog’s history and habits and any record of previous biting or attacks can provide valuable and relevant information. Just as when teenagers and adults are bitten by dogs, a dog bite lawyer should be contacted along with the local police department soon after the incident in order to place it on record and start an investigation concerning the dog’s dangerous behavior or response to an action by the child. All these steps are important measures concerning what to do if a dog bites your child.