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Scenario

Clara Young races into the pharmacy, her five-year-old son in her arms. “Please help me,” she cries. “Henry has just been bitten by a dog in the park around the corner.”

She lowers Henry onto the chair by the counter, and technician Vicky sees a small but unmistakable bite on his arm, which is bleeding. Clara explains that Henry bent down to pat the dog as they were leaving the park, but the dog suddenly seemed to be startled and bit him. The owner apologised profusely, saying that her dog had never done such a thing before, and has left her mobile number with Clara in case she wants to contact her.

Answer

The first thing Vicky needs to do – after donning protective gloves – is to rinse the wound using tap water, and then apply pressure over a pad or sterile dressing if the bleeding is heavy or persistent. If the bleeding does not stop, or the laceration appears very deep, Henry needs to go to the nearest accident and emergency department for the wound to be dressed or even stitched. Otherwise, Clara should take her son to an urgent care centre or minor injuries unit, or make an emergency appointment at her GP surgery so the bite can be assessed because dogs usually harbour bacteria in their mouths that can lead to an infection developing.

If such a risk is considered likely, a course of antibiotics may be prescribed. The positive side of the situation is that the owner of this dog appeared shocked and surprised at what happened, and so is likely to be a responsible dog owner who looks after her pet and ensures its vaccinations and other treatments are up to date.

Clara could call her using the contact number provided in order to check this. Had Henry been bitten by a stray dog – though this is less common because these animals tend to be less trusting of humans and therefore stay away – there would be a higher chance of problems.

The bigger picture

Dogs are the animals most likely to bite, and young boys tend to be the most frequent victims because they are most likely to have a friendly and fearless attitude. Children should never be left unsupervised with a dog, no matter how trustworthy it may seem, and the chance of a bite occurring can be minimised by teaching children (and adults) not to approach an unknown animal and to avoid impinging on a dog’s personal space. Dog bites are often unprovoked, but apparently innocent actions can cause an animal to consider itself in danger and go into “attack” mode.

For instance, shouting, screaming or running in a dog’s vicinity, disturbing a dog when it is sleeping or eating, or disturbing a female dog who is tending to her puppies. Pain or illness can also lead to unpredictable behaviour, which can also be exhibited by animals that haven’t been socialised (i.e. been exposed to different animals, people and environments) and as a result get nervous when coming across new people or unfamiliar situations. Some dogs, particularly puppies, can get worked up when playing and nip, though this doesn’t usually break the skin.

Cats are also known for biting, though elderly people are the most common group affected because they are most likely to have a cat as a pet, and therefore are more at risk when stroking or feeding their animals. Small pets, such as hamsters and gerbils, may also bite.

Extend your learning

• Would you be able to describe the signs indicating that a wound has become infected? Refresh your knowledge
• The Dogs Trust offers free dog safety workshops for parents and children. Have a look at the resources.You can contact your local education and community officer if you think this is something that you could deliver, either in the pharmacy or at a local school, nursery or community centre.