Dog bite in children

Dog bite

Dog bite can cause rabies infection caused by rabies virus. The most common victims of dog are children.

First aid measures for dog bite wounds:

• The wound should be wiped and cleaned of any saliva of the dog. Wound should be washed with soap and running water.
• Wound should not be closed.
• The person should be taken to hospital immediately.
• Since there is chance of getting infected with tetanus, tetanus injection should be given.
• The bitten dog should be watched for 10-15 days for symptoms of rabies.
• If there is deep puncture wounds which is badly torn and bleeding, pressure is applied with clean, dry cloth to stop bleeding.
• If there is deep cut, the suturing should be postponed.
• Keep the injury elevated above the level of heart to slow swelling and prevent infection.
• Rabies vaccines: There are various types of vaccine available like Human diploid cell vaccine, Vero-cell purified vaccine, and purified chick embryo vaccine. The human diploid cell vaccine or purified Vero-cell vaccine are most recommended for post-exposure prophylaxis. It is given in 5 doses on days 0, 3, 7, 14 and 28. Sometimes extra dose on 90th day may be given.
• Other treatments: Passive immunization in the form of immune globulin is available countries. It is administered soon after the exposure to rabies infection and followed up with anti-rabies vaccine. The vaccine can be administered around the wound and inject the remaining vaccine in the gluteal region (buttocks).

How to prevent dog bite:

• Do not allow the child alone with the pet.
• Do not try to separate fighting dogs.
• Leave the animals when they are eating.
• Avoid sick animals and animal that you do not know.
• Select the family pet carefully and keep the pet vaccinated up-to-date.
• Do not chase after the dogs.
• Avoid playing with aggressive dogs.
• Remain motionless when approached by an unfamiliar dog, do not run or scream.
• Do not disturb the dog when it is sleeping, eating and caring for puppies.