Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Can Being Liked By A Pet Dog Cause Any Infection In A Child?
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?
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.
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
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
By proceeding further you accept the Terms and Conditions
