But....I don't want my friend to get in trouble. Was his wife's fault combined with a broken fence, and a very VERY aggresive dog. ( I didn't know the fence was broken, and was standing what should have been a safe distance.) So........
What do I do about the wound, its a pretty nice chunk of mangled skin. I don't really do the hospital/doctor thing. Have great insurance if I have to. It doesn't need stiched, but there is always the chance, allthough in this case a very SLIM chance of rabies? Are there recognizable symptoms? Am I too hard-headed and should go to the Doc? What will happen to the friend and/or his dog?
2007-03-14 19:32:36 · 8 answers · asked by weazalus 3 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
I wouldnt worry so much about rabies, as it's really uncommon, however you should worry about infection. It may be good to see a doc, just to make sure. If anything, you could get some anti-biotics and or topical medication to keep it clean while it heals.
If the dog is reported to the police, it will go on record as being an aggressive dog. if another altercation takes place with that dog, regardless of with who, the police, or animal control will force the owner to surrender the dog, and the dog will be put down as it is a risk to public safety.
If you would like to help your friend avoid potentially significant problems, I would advise having a frank discussion about your situation, the dog's behavior, and advise them on how the the overall situation is not safe for them as owners, or those that possibly interact with the dog.
The potential liability for the owners is considerable. If the dog does harm someone, they could be sued for any damage the dog may do, plus anything additional a lawyer may come up with (negligence, pain and suffering, etc.)
I went through a similar situation with one of my dogs. I ended up having to surrender my dog to animal control and negotiate an settlement/agreement with the family who the dog injured.
Best of luck with the situation. Your friend is fortunate that you are taking the approach that you are.
2007-03-14 19:47:38 · answer #1 · answered by -=B=- 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I recommend that you see a doctor to get it treated, because dog bites have a pretty high chance of getting infected. Even if you don't go today, you should definetly go within the next couple of days if it starts to throb, become excessively painful, or show any other signs of infection.
As far as your friend and his dog....it depends on the laws where you live. If you do a google search for animal control (include the name of your county/town), you should be able tofind what the animal laws/ordinances are. In some areas, the owner is just given a warning. The dog may be labeled as "dangerous." In other areas, the dog may be euthanized. Regardless, if the dog has not been up to date with rabies shots, he will be forced to do a 10day quarantine at animal control.
Anyway, I think you should just go to the hospital/doctor to get treatment. You don't have to tell them it was your friend's dog, the name of your friend, the description of the dog or anything. You do not have to give any information to anyone and your friend will be safe.
2007-03-14 19:54:29 · answer #2 · answered by iloveeeyore 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hey, technically there is a slim chance of rabies, but VERY slim. Do you know the dogs vaccination history? If it has a current rabies vaccine (depending on what state you live in) the only punishment would be something like a 10 day quarantine for the dog to watch for signs of rabies. However if the dog has any other history of aggression towards humans there could be problems. Rabies laws and aggressive animal laws vary from state to state. IF you were to tell the authorities what dog bit you.......what you really need to worry about is infection. An animal bite can get infected VERY badly VERY quickly. A cat bite once put me in the hospital for 3 days and I came very close to needing a finger amputated. If nothing else you need to see a doctor for antibiotics as soon as possible.
Good luck!
2007-03-14 19:46:23 · answer #3 · answered by punkydamit 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The fact that there could be ANY chance of rabies should be your guide!!! Rabies is a dreadful deadly disease, and you really don't want to take a chance AT ALL. Go to the Dr. either your own MD, or Urgent Care or ER, it doesn't matter, just do it! Make sure your Tetanus is up to date, if you aren't sure they will probably give you a booster. Infection is a huge potential, and can be life threatening as well. Your neighbor will understand, if not then he isn't much of a friend. Aggresive dogs need to be controlled by their owners, and frankly shouldn't be around at all, but that is beside the point. His dog needs to be quarantined for 10 days to be sure it is not infected. This is your life and health, don't take chances!!
Good Luck, God Bless!
2007-03-14 20:30:43 · answer #4 · answered by tra 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is no time to be a tough guy. Dogs have other diseases besides rabies. How long has it been since your last Tetanus shot? At the very least the wound needs to be washed properly. My son was the victim the same as you. We called the police because its the law. And the hospital will call the police if you don't. But don't worry - the dog owner will be required to confine the dog in the house or yard (chained) for 10 days. They won't take the dog away. Go get that bite taken care of!
2007-03-14 19:47:30 · answer #5 · answered by Angelique 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
my dog and another dog got into a fight last time i let my dog off the leash in city limits. i broke the fight up and got bit by the other dog . my dog had shots so the next day when my hand swelled up like a balloon and i had to go to the emergency room i said i was bit by my dog cause i didnt know if the dog my dog got in a fight with had shots all i knew was it was an inside dog like mine.all turned out allright but i dont feel i did the right thing.but i had to show paperwork to get treated without getting a rabies shot.it was a mess and any dog bite usually gets infected so always remember that
2007-03-14 19:42:55 · answer #6 · answered by kelly r 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't be an idiot Go to the Doctor and get a shot. How do you know he hasn't got something else.
Insurance or otherwise, That won't heal the wound.
You have to work and play don't you. What happens if it got infected. Don't be a dill go to the doctor. Big wuss. I gather you don't like needles. Wellllll your health is more important.
ggooooogggoooogggoo
2007-03-14 19:37:48 · answer #7 · answered by aotea s 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
strange that you are the one injured and attacked, but you are only thinking of your neighbors. i don't think that they gave much thought to what would happen to you.
go to an ER or urgent care. seek treatment. let the medical professionals worry about filing reports -it's their job.
2007-03-14 19:53:18 · answer #8 · answered by KitKat 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋