my 1+ year old dog bit my daughter....?

Question

my dughter was playing with our new dog who has yet to get his rabies shots and was accidentaly bit by him. he has not been exposed to rabies nor has he been around any rabid animals, should I be concerned about rabies with my daughter and this bite? any help appriciated.

Answer 1

wait a day for any signs of rabies, otherwise she's ok

Answer 2

As some of the others have said, if the dog has not been exposed to rabies, you have nothing to worry about. Although you should get her a tetanus shot and have her see a doctor just to prevent infection. Of course, this is assuming it's that serious. If it didn't break the skin she probably doesn't need to see a doctor. To the people that suggested testing the dogs for rabies anyway.....do you know how they test animals for rabies? Rabies is a neurological disorder that can only be tested in one way....by cutting off the head of the animal and testing the brain tissue. So, you're basically telling this person to kill their family pet to test for something that the dog has most likely never been exposed to. Doesn't sound like a good idea to me.

Answer 3

You cannot just have the dog tested as the first answer stated. In order to test a dog for rabies it must be deceased. They cut off the head and test the fluid in the brain stem. Did the dog break your daughter's skin? If it wasn't a serious enough bite to see a doctor, I wouldn't worry. If it was accidental there really is no concern for rabies, rabid dogs will turn suddenly and ferociously bite the victim several times. I work at a Humane society and I have seen rabid dogs before. But it is very rare for a house-dog to contract the disease. But vaccinate your dog anyways, it won't do anything for him concerning his recent nbiting incident, but it is illegal to not have the shot done. Good luck!

Answer 4

I would not be concerned with the rabies, but I would be concerned about how your daughter is playing with the dog. Hopefully she was being supervised and being taught the right way to interact with a dog. I hope the bite wasn't too bad. Something like that can turn a child off to dogs for a very long time.

Answer 5

No you need not worry about rabies, where did you get the dog? From a licensed dealer? What you do need to worry about is infection, make sure the wound is clean and put an antibiotic ointment on it, neosporin will do fine. Use antibacterial soap when cleaning the wound, you need to develop the leadership role in regard to this animal, it is not a child, it is a dog, and you need to develop your behaviors, so that in your dog's eyes you are the alpha dog, or leader of the pack, You can get a book by Cesar Milan, who is the dog whisperer, on National Geographic channel, I did see some at Wal-Mart, but I don't know if they still stock them. And make sure your dog gets it's shots, 1 year old is too long a wait for the gal/guy to get them it's the law!!!

Answer 6

If the other dog bit her badly enough to cause a wound, she doesn't need to go back with her. She is too little to be iplaying alone with a big dog like that. Nor should your little girl! If the gash is gaping open, it needs stitches. You should call the emergency vet and have that done tonight to prevent it from getting infected. Hydrogen peroxide has fallen out of favor for cleaning wounds, it causes tissue death of the healthy tissue around the cut and delays healing. Likewise, antibiotic ointments are not useful in deep conditions, they are vaseline based and delay healing, plus 'hold in' bacteria deep in the wound and don't allow air to get to the bacteria. Next time, use some diluted Betadine or chlorhexidine solution (you can get this from your vet) to gently clean the wound and don't put any ointments on it for best results, ok? And since bite wounds are punctures and dirty and can be really deep, your puppy is likely to need oral antibiotics for a week. I had a pup once that got bitten on the head THROUGH her skull into the frontal sinus, and caused some permanent brain damage even though I treated her promptly. So it would be good to call the emergency vet now and not let her back out with the other dog unless you are right there and watching them carefully the whole time so you can intervene if things get rough.

Answer 7

I don't think rabies is going to be a problem, however, it is very important to have your pet up on his shots. I would also wonder what caused the dog to bite, was your daughter hurting the dog?Was the dog and your daughter alone when the bite took place? Be sure your dog becomes socialized with children and adults, and never leave the dog and child alone, it could be a really bad accident. Good luck.

Answer 8

You cannot have the dog tested without putting it down. when you take it to the vet for rabies shot...the vet is probably going to ask if the dog has bitten anyone...please be honest. this will alter the protocol. It would have been so much easier and safer if you had just stopped at the vets office before taking the dog home. the dog and the child should not be left alone together.

Answer 9

If the bite was that bad see a doctor. Take your dog to the vet and get it his rabies shot. IT IS THE LAW. They have to have that shot. Then watch your dog for signs for rabies. Takes 10 days for signs to appear.

Answer 10

If the dog hasn't been exposed to anything with rabies he won't have rabies. That being said, if it were my dog and kid I would still get him tested. A healthy dose of paranoia never hurt anyone.

Answer 11

If your dog has not been exposed to rabies, your daughter will be fine! I would make sure to clean the wound very well to prevent infection!