Dog Bite

crdo

A neighbor's dog shot out of their garage and attacked my dog as we were walking by on the street (leashed!), and I was bitten mildly in the attack. Just have 2 scrapes, but the skin was broken and bled slightly.

The owner says the dog is up to date on vaccinations, though I requested the name of the dog's vet, dog's name, and a copy of the vax records.

I called and left a message at my OB/midwives' nurse line, and have scrubbed the areas with hydrogen peroxide.

Anyone have any guidance or experience on further steps I should take in the mean time?

dennyandlee

I don't have any suggestions, really, other than it's good you don't have a puncture wound.  I think those are typically more concerning.  Glad you weren't seriously injured but gah how scary!  Sorry that happened to you!

TunieBee

You need to see your doc. You will need a tetanus shot and possibly antibiotics. Wash the area with SOAP and WATER.

BabyboyS2016

Agreed! ^ 

totsabounding

Holy crap! That sucks! I'm so sorry that happened. Hopefully your OB will call you back very soon and give you the next steps to take...good thinking on your part to get all that info from the owner. I hope they get better control of their dog, that's scary for all involved.

goldie987

That's crazy!  I don't have anything to add that hasn't been said already but I hope that you heal quickly and your OB doesn't take forever to respond.

heathersaysso

Is your dog alright?  I am so sorry that happened to you.  I've been bitten a couple of times, you definitely need to go see your doctor to be sure no bacteria or infection gets into your blood stream.  I don't know what kind of relationship you have with your neighbor but I hope they take this seriously and take steps to correct the dog's behavior, as a Pit Bull owner every time I hear about a dog bite attack I cringe.  It's always owner negligence, every god damn time.

MamaNicoleof3

Our son was just bitten this fall (mild scratches like yours). We took him in and all they did was clean it with sterile water, slathered it in bacitracin and covered it. He was completely fine. If you're really concerned, I'd go in and they may give you abx just to be safe, but that may be overkill. 

crdo

Thanks for all the advice and concern, ladies. Well, got my cardio workout in for the day. Seriously though, not an experience I want to have ever again. 

My bite consists of two small scrapes on either side of my kneecap, with mild bruising at this point and broken skin. So, skin was compromised, but no major damage. No hits or bumps to the abdomen, and I didn't fall at any point.

Since I posted, I have recieved a copy of the dog's vax records, and he is current on rabies. I also have spoken with my doctor's office, and the provider (certified nurse midwife) advised to apply neosporin or polysporin, and monitor for any signs of infection. They didn't say anything about tetanus or antibiotics--should I be concerned about the fact that those weren't mentioned?

My german shepherd and the (monumentally stupid) corgie that attacked are fine, thankfully. 

goldie987

crdo said:

Thanks for all the advice and concern, ladies. Well, got my cardio workout in for the day. Seriously though, not an experience I want to have ever again. 

My bite consists of two small scrapes on either side of my kneecap, with mild bruising at this point and broken skin. So, skin was compromised, but no major damage. No hits or bumps to the abdomen, and I didn't fall at any point.

Since I posted, I have recieved a copy of the dog's vax records, and he is current on rabies. I also have spoken with my doctor's office, and the provider (certified nurse midwife) advised to apply neosporin or polysporin, and monitor for any signs of infection. They didn't say anything about tetanus or antibiotics--should I be concerned about the fact that those weren't mentioned?

My german shepherd and the (monumentally stupid) corgie that attacked are fine, thankfully. 

Neosporin is an antibiotic ointment so that (should) kill anything harmful that the H202 didn't, as far as tetanus, my understanding is it's a bigger issue with deep wounds so since you only have a scrape, not a puncture, they don't think you need it.  

NicknShan

@crdo when was your last tetanus shot? Many pregnant women get tdap in their third trimester to pass it along to their LO. I would definitely call back and ask about it - since you are pregnant. 

WinniethePoohsPants

I agree with everything PP have said, definitely go to you ob asap. I'd be sooooo irritated with my neighbor if that happened to me, especially with a LO on the way!

crdo

@TunieBee and @shannonrnbsn: Just cleaned well 2x with soap and water as advised. Also applied polysporin ointment.

@Sgoldberg247: Ok, not familiar with the ins and outs of contracting tetanus, so thanks for the info. 

@NicknShan: I don't know when I was last vaccinated for tetanus--must have been whenever it was last required for public school. And at 29 years old, that's been a while. Maybe I'll call back to ask specifically about a tetanus shot.

@heathersaysso: You're absolutely right. It's always owner negligence. This guy just had this dog in the garage, off leash, and it just took off after us because it wasn't properly contained. My SIL has a pit bull as well--sweetest dog. Bad behavior originates with the owner, not the breed.

Also, I used to think corgies were cute. Now they're just little misproportioned jerks on stubby legs as far as I'm concerned.

alohasoprano

@NicknShan  is right. If you aren't up to date on your tetanus I would call your doc and specifically ask about it. 

TunieBee

Guidelines for bites include a tetanus shot if you have had less than 3 doses of the tetanus vaccine (or an unkown number)in your life or if you have had 3 and your most recent was more than 10 years ago. You have to get a TDAP booster in pregnancy anyway, so it might as well be now!

See below:

Tetanus – Animal and human bites are tetanus prone wounds [12,39]. The patient's tetanus immunization status should be determined for any bite wound that breaks the skin. Tetanus toxoid, DTaP, or Td should be administered during the first encounter in patients as indicated (table 5). The need for tetanus immune globulin (TIG) should also be assessed (table 5). (See "Tetanus".)

                            

Wound management and tetanus prophylaxis

Previous doses of tetanus toxoid*	Clean and minor wound		All other wounds
	Tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine	Human tetanus immune globulin	Tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine	Human tetanus immune globulin
< 3 doses or unknown	Yes§	No	Yes	Yes
≥3 doses	Only if last dose given ≥10 years ago	No	Only if last dose given ≥5 years ago¥	No

crdo

Just called back and left a message specifically asking about tetanus, and advising I do not recall the last time I had a tetanus vax. 

@TunieBee *round of applause* Thank you for the information! Very good to know. 

lm45678

Oh no!

The good news is you were probably going to get a TDap while you were pregnant anyway. It's considered the whooping cough vaccine by most but also contains Tetanus.

Good thing you called your doc, keep the area nice and clean! Use a topical antibiotic (bacitracin or neosporian) in the meantime.

MsBeachNJ

aw man @crdo I'm so sorry that happened to you! How stressful and annoying that it could have been entirely prevented if it weren't for your neighbors negligence!! Hope you get an answer on tetanus from your dr. soon & that your wounds heal quickly!! 

BabyboyS2016

@TunieBee is a ROCK STAR!

aoliveira0726

Im so sorry to hear about this. I hope your furbaby is okay. I have to be honest, your comment about the corgi attacking your german sheppard made me laugh. Always a napoleon complex with small dogs. Hope you are okay as well

mkemommy

Sorry I'm late to this and also sorry this happened to you @crdo.  I think @TunieBee has solid advice.  I wouldn't worry too much though @crdo, the wound doesn't sound deep and it is probably fine with the good cleaning you did.  It probably scared the crap out of you though.  Hugs.

VikingGirl12

Wow! I am so sorry that happened! I think calling your dr to make sure it's the best thing, but I wouldn't worry about it too much!

PBear93

I'm sorry that happened to you.  Glad everyone is alright though.  

HBamama2B

So sorry that happened! It's so scary for you and for your pets. Especially when you're pregnant. Hugs. 

The one thing I would add to the above is to contact animal control and make a report. It is really important to keep accurate records of dog bites and they will enforce actions on the owners (better access control and special covers on walks) which protect others' dogs, children, etc in the neighborhood. (They will not harm or remove the dog unless there is a strong history of violence.)

I live in a huge dog neighborhood and love it, but we've had one or two aggressive dogs (neither were pit bulls I would like to note!) in the mix that have attacked other dogs. Unfortunately one went unreported after a moderate attack on a dog that left minor injuries and the next week lunged at a 4yr old on the side walk scarring her face badly. So I'd just ask to record it. 

yoshi1230

As a veterinarian I have had fair share of dog bites, puncture wounds should always be treated with antibiotics - I've never seen one untreated that didn't get infected. A small scrape or abrasion will probably be fine with a thorough cleaning and antibiotic ointment, if you see any pus or malodorous discharge you should go to your doctor at the earliest sign of infection to get antibiotics. 

CourtJack

Sorry that happened!! what a pain. Glad you're ok and your dog is ok. Let us know about the tetanus. 

fishwife799

Holy crap! I don't have much to add since you already got some great information. Just want to say I'm glad you and your pup are OK. 

Linsbins

Definitely make a report to the animal control/county. Hope you're feeling okay!

crdo

Thanks ladies! It was scary at the time, and now I'm just plain pissed off that the situation was even allowed to happen.

I just heard back from the Dr about a tetanus shot, and they said it isn't something I need at this moment, but of course it'll be administered in the TDap vaccine at 27-30 weeks. So, apparently it isn't a concern to them at this instant. I'll just keep the areas clean and treated with polysporin, and should be all good!

crdo

@HBMama2B: Wow, that's awful. Dogs are great, but not when they aren't properly trained and controlled by their owners. I'll look into animal control.

snowhite12

Hey there! I am glad you are ok and your dogs as well! Something semi similar happened to me last month. I have a 6 month old German Shepherd and I was rough housing with him ( I know I shouldn't have been) with one of his favorite toys, well he missed his toy and accidentally bit my arm hard enough that it slightly punctured my skin and started bleeding.
My GSD is completely up to date on his shots and I have no idea when the last time I got my tetanus shot but all I did was wash with soap and water and kept an eye on it. Nothing happened to me and the marks healed quickly!

hollywoodave531

Glad you are okay! That's super scary! As a dog lover I would would be super upset that a corgie tried to attack me.  What the heck was the neighbor thinking?! Hope the bites heal quickly! 

crdo

@snowhite12: Ouch! Puppy teeth are no joke. Glad to hear you were fine!

@hollywoodave531: Thanks! Yeah, I used to think corgies were cute. That one apparently is extra stupid for taking on my 80lb GSD. Neighbor got a piece of my mind, for sure!

mkemommy

@crdo - Your neighbor and his dog are really lucky your GSD didn't bite back.  Our dog would have likely attacked back if I was bitten/attacked.  As to reporting the dog, I'm torn on this and whether I did it or not would depend largely on the facts of the situation/owner's reaction to the situation.  If it was truly an accident (the dog got loose unexpectedly, etc.) and the owner was truly apologetic (apologizing profusely, agreeing to cover medical costs, etc.) I wouldn't report it for a bite that wasn't a puncture....accidents can happen and animal control can be overly aggressive in certain situations/locations and with certain breeds.  If the owner wasn't those things and the dog was just roaming free (which it sounds like was the case), I would possibly report it.  

KayDray15

I was bit by a dog my first pregnancy. It sounds like you did exactly what you should have. Keep an eye out for any signs of infection. 

We joked the rest of my pregnancy that our baby was going to be a werewolf! 

crdo

mkemommy said:

@crdo - Your neighbor and his dog are really lucky your GSD didn't bite back.  Our dog would have likely attacked back if I was bitten/attacked.  As to reporting the dog, I'm torn on this and whether I did it or not would depend largely on the facts of the situation/owner's reaction to the situation.  If it was truly an accident (the dog got loose unexpectedly, etc.) and the owner was truly apologetic (apologizing profusely, agreeing to cover medical costs, etc.) I wouldn't report it for a bite that wasn't a puncture....accidents can happen and animal control can be overly aggressive in certain situations/locations and with certain breeds.  If the owner wasn't those things and the dog was just roaming free (which it sounds like was the case), I would possibly report it.  

------Trapped-----

I agree, the attacking dog was extremely lucky it wasn't hurt. My dog did bite and attack back hard enough to elicit some serious yelps out of that corgie, but apparently not enough to do real damage, though of course she could have killed it easily. I hesitate to involve animal control, and didn't initially feel the need since 1) the owner was extremely apologetic and very cooperative, 2) my doctor suspects zero danger or repercussions for me and my child, and 3) the owner assured me it would not be allowed to happen again. Also, I wasn't targeted by the dog, but was caught in the crossfire, so to speak. So, based on those facts, I am not entirely convinced animal control should be called at this time. The one sticking point is that this dog was roaming freely with its owner in the garage, and charged at us into the street unprovoked. So, how am I to know we can safely walk down that part of the street without repeat incident? Owner negligence? Yes, you could argue that. So, I'm still undecided. 

mkemommy

@crdo - I don't blame you for being torn, that is a tough call.  I don't envy you this one.  

crdo

mkemommy said:

@crdo - I don't blame you for being torn, that is a tough call.  I don't envy you this one.  

Ugh...gut says let it be, but a "gut decision" isn't necessarily rational. Perhaps I'll let H be the tiebreaker between my 2 leanings.

Maybe a middle ground is to carry a doggy taser to zap the little bugger if this ever happens again. (Kidding...)

GinnyJ2012

crdo said:

mkemommy said:

@crdo - I don't blame you for being torn, that is a tough call.  I don't envy you this one.  

Ugh...gut says let it be, but a "gut decision" isn't necessarily rational. Perhaps I'll let H be the tiebreaker between my 2 leanings.

Maybe a middle ground is to carry a doggy taser to zap the little bugger if this ever happens again. (Kidding...)

It is a tough call. I would document the incident with the vet office by calling to confirm all the information the owner gave you, and letting them know of the attack. That way if you see the dog running around free again you can contact animal control and there is a record of the previous incident. 

crdo

GinnyJ2012 said:

crdo said:

mkemommy said:

@crdo - I don't blame you for being torn, that is a tough call.  I don't envy you this one.  

Ugh...gut says let it be, but a "gut decision" isn't necessarily rational. Perhaps I'll let H be the tiebreaker between my 2 leanings.

Maybe a middle ground is to carry a doggy taser to zap the little bugger if this ever happens again. (Kidding...)

It is a tough call. I would document the incident with the vet office by calling to confirm all the information the owner gave you, and letting them know of the attack. That way if you see the dog running around free again you can contact animal control and there is a record of the previous incident. 

Good point. I did call and speak with the dog's vet office yesterday to explain what happened and to confirm the dog was current on vaccinations, and the person I spoke to said the owner had just called before I did to report it and ask for the records to send me. The person I spoke to also said something like "unfortunately we do have to report situations like this", etc, so it's recorded on their end as well. I also took pictures of my bite with a time and date stamp. So, that part of documenting is done.

Hopefully this won't ever happen again so I don't need to revisit this decision. However, if something does happen again, I won't hesitate to call animal control, and I won't be remotely as forgiving.

GinnyJ2012

Then I think I would say the issue is done, unless the bite becomes infected or another issue comes up. It sounds like the owner was remorseful. My dog has gotten out before when DS1 opens the door to get something from the garage. If he ever attacked someone I would be devastated. Hopefully it was a one time thing!