I got bit by a dog?

Question

I got bit in the face by a dog, it wasn't that deep, but there are marks and it's kind of close to my eye, my eye is swelling and red and hot...does this mean I have an infection? Also, if the dogs got a rabies shot in 2006, is it still good for this year??? Do I have to worry about rabies too?

The dog is mine, I got it from a family friend whom said it was a good tempered dog, obviously not. As far as I can tell she's up to date on shots, but yes she did break skin and I did bleed. I'm going to see a doctor today just worried about what treatment I could be looking at.

Answer 1

It is very common to get an infection from any dog bite that breaks the skin. I've been bitten before as well and they'll likely want to give you a tetanus shot and you will need proof of the rabies vaccination history for the dog. They give rabies vacinations in one or three-year doses now, so the answer regarding whether or not the dog is good for this year would depend on when he rec'd the shot and what the vaccine length was. I wouldn't worry too much about rabies unless your dog has been exposed to wildlife or other animals carrying the disease...is the dog kept outdoors?

Also, any dog can bite whether or not they are good natured/tempered. What were you doing and what was the dog doing when the bite occurred? It is uncharacteristic for animals to attack/bite when not provoked in some way.

Answer 2

Disinfect it with hydrogen peroxide and alcohol after washing it with warm soapy water. After washing the bite, apply a topical anti-microbial cream like Neosporin. Repeat this process every 6 hours or so. The wounds should begin to heal pretty soon. If the hotness and redness have not begun to subside by tomorrow, you should make an appointment to see a doctor just in case you have an infection. You may have to get a tetanus shot. If the dog got its rabies shot in July 2006 or later, you should be fine.

I got bitten on the forearm a couple of years ago. I followed all the cleaning steps I shared with you and my arm was fine. I went to the doctor as a precaution, but I didn't get an infection. The doctor said that she would normally recommend a tetanus shot for a dog bite, but I had just gotten a tetanus shot about 6 months earlier due to a mishap with an old piece of metal....

Take care of yourself! Good luck.

Answer 3

If the dog broke the skin, you need to go to the doctor for shots and possible infection.

If the dog only bruised the skin, but did not break it, then let's talk about the eye. If the area around the eye is swelling , and not the eyeball, then you have a black eye. You can get a bag of frozen peas and put it on the area to help reduce swelling.

If the eyeball is discolored, if your vision is distorted, if you are seeing double or blurry, then you need to go to the doctor or emergency room...

Rabies is probably not a problem.

Answer 4

Well, I am defininitely not an expert, but I also know, that depending on when the dog got it's shot, it should get one every year. If it got one in december, 2006, then it's fine, but if it was january 2006, that would be not fine. I think either way, you need to go to the doctor, because you could still get an infection. Also, you need to alert the dog owners, because if the dog bit you, then it could put someone else, like a child, at greater risk.

Answer 5

I would definatly recommend seeing your doctor asap as since we can't see your face, we can't really tell. The defintion of swelling and red is different form person to person as far as extremes. You need to report the dog as well! My brother had his eyelid torn off by a family friends dog when he was 13. It took the dog biting 3 more children before the owners were forced to put it down. Dogs who bite wil most likely bite again... and it may be a child next time! But go to the doc!

Answer 6

I would go to your doctor immediately. My little dog bit my pointer finger (enough for a little cut) and I just washed it out and put a band aid on it. Throughout the day it started hurting, when I took off the band aid there was a lump of puss and it was infected. I had to got to the doctors and he drained the puss pocket and had to give me a tetnus shot. Even though you hear "dogs have the cleanest mouths", it's not true. Don't hesistate just go especially b/c its on your face! Good luck-

Answer 7

I've been biten twice by the same dog at different times. You should be fine unless your eye is having major swelling or something like that if it is you should go see your doctor

Answer 8

the vet may isolate the dog to watch for rabies...very rare any more- but- in 1990-1998, 22 people contracted rabies from various sources[ cats,dogs,bats,raccoons] and they all
died- 100 % dead- no survivors.

see the doctor.

UPDATE- ... worldwide 50,000 - 60,000 deaths each year. Once symptoms appear, NO treatment is effective.

Answer 9

don't worry about rabies - was it your dog? if not, go to the docs and get a tetunus just in case of other nasties he might have.. the swelling and bruising is because of the impact..

you'll be fine - remember not to put your head near a dogs head unless you know him!!! good luck and good health

Answer 10

Take a second look at the relationship that is between you and the dog.Was it an accident?If not,be careful.Always wonder why someone gives a dog away.I always keep my dogs til the pass away.....Think and be careful...