Is vaccination needed for dog bite treatment in children?

Question

Hello doctor,

My daughter is 3 years old and has been bitten by a pet dog. The dog would not bite if not touched. It has been in our home for 10 years. It always stays at home. The dog does not have rabies. The dog is a Pomeranian breed.

The wound is not very deep, but a slight cut on the upper skin that was cleaned thoroughly with an antiseptic. Do I still need her to be injected? If not, should a tetanus shot be given?

Please guide.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Any bite from a dog needs a vaccination for rabies. If the cut is not very deep, it will fall under grade 1 of dog bites, and it will definitely need anti-rabies vaccination and tetanus vaccination.

In grade 1 bites, anti-rabies immunoglobulin is not needed, but a vaccine should be given along with a tetanus vaccine. Even if the dog is a pet, the vaccine should be given because rabies, once contracted, has no treatment. Moreover, vaccination has no side effects. I suggest you get your child vaccinated as soon as possible.

I hope this will help you.

Thank you.