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I Was Bitten On The Hand By My Own Dog
Question: i was bitten on the hand by my own dog a little while ago. It hurt tremendously. (i also have fibromyalgia, so any pain response is elevated for me). I was able to finally get the bleeding to stop. I'm having trouble getting my tears to stop though.
The dog just wants to now cuddle with me; he can sense my upset. I have followed the instructions i.e., cleaning the bite, anti-biotic topically; gauze wound to cover. Any other thoughts?
The dog just wants to now cuddle with me; he can sense my upset. I have followed the instructions i.e., cleaning the bite, anti-biotic topically; gauze wound to cover. Any other thoughts?
Brief Answer:
Please see below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I'm Dr. Branch,
Thanks for using 'Ask A Doctor' service.
Once the bleeding has stopped, the most important thing is to clean it out the best you can with soap and water, as you mentioned, being careful not to cause more bleeding. Since the wound is on your hand, they would likely not want to stitch it up, and rather leave it to heal on its own. However, since it is on your hand, it would be a higher risk for developing an infection, and starting antibiotics (pills) to prevent infection would probably be recommended.
Also, if you haven't had a tetanus shot in the last 5 years, you should get one, as these wounds would be at risk for tetanus as well. Since it is your dog, rabies would not be a concern.
Ideally, you would be seen by someone within 24 hours for this, but if the wound begins to turn more red, swollen, or more painful, you should go right away to treat the infection.
Pets, especially when young, can often get carried away and bite harder than they mean to, I'm sure your dog didn't mean to hurt you.
I hope this helps...
Please let me know if you have any other questions and I would be glad to discuss this further with you.
Please see below.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I'm Dr. Branch,
Thanks for using 'Ask A Doctor' service.
Once the bleeding has stopped, the most important thing is to clean it out the best you can with soap and water, as you mentioned, being careful not to cause more bleeding. Since the wound is on your hand, they would likely not want to stitch it up, and rather leave it to heal on its own. However, since it is on your hand, it would be a higher risk for developing an infection, and starting antibiotics (pills) to prevent infection would probably be recommended.
Also, if you haven't had a tetanus shot in the last 5 years, you should get one, as these wounds would be at risk for tetanus as well. Since it is your dog, rabies would not be a concern.
Ideally, you would be seen by someone within 24 hours for this, but if the wound begins to turn more red, swollen, or more painful, you should go right away to treat the infection.
Pets, especially when young, can often get carried away and bite harder than they mean to, I'm sure your dog didn't mean to hurt you.
I hope this helps...
Please let me know if you have any other questions and I would be glad to discuss this further with you.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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