Each year, over two million children suffer from dog bites, with younger children, especially those under six, facing a higher risk of severe injuries to the head or neck.

Most incidents occur in the summer months when dogs are more active. It is essential for families to be aware of proper actions in case of a bite.

Experts such as Dr. Anne Brayer M.D. and Dr. Elizabeth Murray D.O. note that most bites come from the child’s own pet at home.

Children may also be bitten by a grandparent’s dog due to a lack of understanding of dog behavior.

Acting quickly after a bite is crucial to prevent further harm.

Immediate Steps After a Dog Bite

To prevent additional injuries, separate the dog from the child first.

Once safe, assess the wound and take appropriate action based on its severity.

• For superficial wounds, monitor them at home.
• For open or bleeding wounds:
  • Apply direct pressure
  • Clean with water if possible

When to Seek Medical Help

It is necessary to seek medical help based on the severity of the bite.

Visit the emergency department if:

• The child is young, especially <5 years old
• The bite affects the face or neck
• The wound is large or bleeding heavily
• Sedation may be required

Urgent care is suitable if:

• The wound is minor to moderate
• The wound is not on the face or neck
• The child is older

Risks of Infection After a Dog Bite

Watch for signs of infection within 48 hours of the bite, such as spreading redness, swelling, or pus.

Bruising is common after a bite but should be distinguished from infected areas.

Other signs of infection to watch for include warmth around the wound, increased pain, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.

If you suspect an infection, seek medical attention immediately to prevent further complications.

Treatment Options

Treatment may involve antibiotics, tetanus, or rabies shots, depending on the type of wound.

Antibiotics are prescribed for closed wounds or high infection risk.

Tetanus shots are recommended if not updated in the last 5 years.

Rabies shots are considered if the dog’s vaccination status is unknown.

Psychological Impacts and Prevention

Dr. Brayer notes that adults are often bitten on the hand, while kids are more prone to bites on the face. Multiple bites are common in kids.

Addressing Emotional Effects

Emotional support is crucial after a family pet bite. Using comforting language helps children cope with the incident.

It’s important to acknowledge the emotional impact a pet bite can have on a child. They may feel scared, anxious, or even guilty after the incident. Reassure them that it’s not their fault and that it’s normal to feel this way.

Encourage open communication about their feelings and let them know that they can talk to you about anything that’s bothering them. Providing a safe space for them to express themselves can help them process their emotions and move forward from the experience.

Remind them that it’s okay to be cautious around animals in the future and teach them about proper pet etiquette to prevent similar incidents from happening again.

Seeking professional help may also be beneficial if the child is struggling to cope with the emotional effects of the pet bite. A therapist or counselor can provide additional support and guidance to help them navigate their feelings and emotions.

Preventing Dog Bites

While not all bites are avoidable, supervision and teaching children proper pet interaction can significantly reduce the risk.

Here are some additional tips to prevent dog bites:

• Always ask the dog’s owner for permission before petting or approaching a dog.
• Avoid approaching dogs that are eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies.
• Never disturb a dog that is behind a fence, in a car, or tied up.
• Teach children to never tease, hit, or pull on a dog’s ears or tail.
• Do not leave young children unsupervised with a dog, no matter how friendly the dog may seem.

The Injury Free Coalition for Kids

This organization focuses on preventing injuries in the community.

Behavioral Insights Behind Child Biting

Understanding the reasons behind child biting is essential, as it is a common behavior among kids.

• Expressing strong emotions without words, like anger
• Communicating the need for personal space
• Teething pain
• Seeking attention
• Testing reactions to actions
• Exploring sensory experiences through mouthing objects

Managing Child Biting

After a child bites, it’s crucial to manage emotions and respond calmly. Consistent responses help children learn alternative ways to express themselves.

Steps to follow include removing the child from the situation, briefly explaining that biting is wrong, comforting the bitten child, and ignoring the biter’s behavior.

It’s important to address the root cause of why the child is biting, whether it be teething, frustration, or seeking attention. Encouraging positive behaviors and teaching effective communication skills can help prevent future biting incidents.

Prevention and Management in Child Care

Injuries from child biting incidents are rare but should be managed appropriately. Strategies for prevention and handling are key in child care settings.

Risk of Blood-Borne Viruses

The risk of blood-borne virus transmission through child biting incidents is minimal. Physicians should address concerns and provide necessary care without stigmatizing children.

Committee Recommendations

These recommendations are not fixed rules but cater to individual circumstances. Maintaining confidentiality and providing proper care are essential.

It is important to consider the specific needs and preferences of each individual when making decisions. Communication with all parties involved, including the individual in question, is key to ensuring that the outcome is in their best interests.

Additionally, regular evaluations and assessments should be conducted to monitor the progress and adjust the care plan as needed. Collaboration with healthcare professionals and other support services is also crucial in providing comprehensive care.

Impact of Child Biting in Daycare

Bites in child care settings are common, but severe injuries are infrequent. Preventive measures and individualized care are crucial in managing biting incidents.

Transmission of Blood-Borne Viruses

The probability of blood-borne virus transmission through child biting is low. Children with chronic infections should not be excluded, and anti-discrimination policies must be upheld.

HBV transmission from biting is rare, while the risk of HIV transmission is extremely unlikely. Routine screening for such infections is generally not required.

Procedures are in place for managing hepatitis B and C exposures, along with wound care protocols in child care settings.

Immediate Action for Blood Exposure

If a child involved in a biting incident has hepatitis C, follow-up testing should be arranged, especially in significant blood exposure situations.

Committee Members and Authors

The Infectious Diseases and Immunization Committee members and authors have contributed to the development of these guidelines.

Conclusion

As children grow, they learn that biting is unacceptable behavior, and proper management is key to preventing and addressing biting incidents.

• 1. A study conducted by the Canadian Paediatric Society focuses on managing human bites in daycare settings, specifically in the playroom.
• 2. The importance of creating a safe environment for children in daycare is discussed in a research article by Strauman-Raymond et al.
• 3. Garrard, Leland, and Smith investigate the epidemiology of human bites to children in day-care centers in their publication.
• 4. Solomons and Elardo address the incidence, prevention, and intervention of biting in day care centers in their study.
• 5. Leung and Robson explore human bites in children in a research article published in a pediatric emergency care journal.
• 6. The Ministry of Health and Social Services of Quebec provides a guide on infection prevention and control in daycare centers.
• 7. The American Academy of Pediatrics, along with other organizations, discusses infectious diseases and bloodborne infections in out-of-home child care programs in their guidelines.
• 8. The American Academy of Pediatrics includes information on children in out-of-home care in the Red Book report on infectious diseases.
• 9. Juhn, Shapiro, McCarthy, and Freudigman study the willingness of child care center directors to care for children with chronic infections.
• 10. Hayashi, Kashiwagi, Nomura, Kajiyama, and Ikematsu investigate hepatitis B virus transmission in nursery schools.

• The Public Health Agency of Canada provides information on the Hepatitis B vaccine in the Canadian Immunization Guide.
• Information on Tetanus toxoid is also available in the 2006 Canadian Immunization Guide by the Public Health Agency of Canada.
• The American Academy of Pediatrics includes a section on Bite Wounds in the Red Book report on infectious diseases.
• Guidelines for the use of antiretroviral agents in pediatric HIV infection are provided by the Working Group on Antiretroviral Therapy and Medical Management of HIV-Infected Children.

Articles from Paediatrics & Child Health are provided here courtesy of Oxford University Press