HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Can Being Liked By A Pet Dog Cause Any Infection In A Child?

default
Posted on Fri, 11 Jul 2014
Question: 6 days ago, my son was licked on the hand,nose and mouth by a small dog that was in a persons car. The owner who was in the car told him "its ok she wont hurt you". I do not know this dog at all nor have anyway of finding it. My son has a small cut on his thumb-i do not think the dog bit him but he may have had the cut when the dog licked him. He has no cuts in his mouth or nose that I can see. What about rabies? Should he have the vaccine?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Eric Goldstein (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Dog Lick

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for your question. This is a very common occurrence. I wouldn't worry about a dog who was with the owner at the time of the incident. This is as opposed to a stray dog. I recommend treating the cut like I would any other abrasion. Application of any over the counter antibiotic ointment, 2 to 3 times per day.
Note: For further follow-up it is advisable to consult an emergency medicine specialist. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Eric Goldstein

Pediatrician

Practicing since :1999

Answered : 1303 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Can Being Liked By A Pet Dog Cause Any Infection In A Child?

Brief Answer: Dog Lick Detailed Answer: Hello. Thank you for your question. This is a very common occurrence. I wouldn't worry about a dog who was with the owner at the time of the incident. This is as opposed to a stray dog. I recommend treating the cut like I would any other abrasion. Application of any over the counter antibiotic ointment, 2 to 3 times per day.