Do i need a tetnus after being bitten by a dog?

Question

yesterday i got bitten by a dog it drew blood and is down about a half of my index finger i have had a bandage on all day yesterday and last night but its been taken off for air now compared to my other finger it has swolen and where the dog bit me it has peeled a clump of my skin off and i cant bare to touch it and there is a yellowy orange slimey substance underneath this then where i pulled away her teeth dragged down my finger and there is a white line and a bump with a slight slit down the middle it goes over a bend in my finger and i can hardly bend my finger!! do i need a tetnus i really dont want one!!

Answer 1

Sarah, if this dog has bitten you in an aggressive manner then you must report it to the correct authorities. It is so easy to think, aw it wasn't intentional, not report it and then find out at a later date that it has done some real damage to some one else possibly a child. As for a tetanus, I am not sure on this so would say get medical advice on this one. Good luck.

Answer 2

You should really go to the doctor. I was bitten by a dog and I had to have 2 types of antibiotics . A dogs mouth and teeth can be full of germs and if they get into your blood stream you are going to get an infection. You can ask your doctor if you need a tetanus then...

Answer 3

better safe than sorry. at least get checked out if youre experiencing swelling and if the area is red and puffy beyond normalcy. you never know what the dog might have. i think that a tetnus shot should be the least of your worries from the description you just gave about your finger. you could get so many infections from not getting it checked if you dont have one already. i am not a nurse or a doctor but i work in the medical field, up close and in person. the smallest thing could turn badly if you let it go.  

Answer 4

more thantetnus i would be checking to see if dog has been properly vaccinated for such things as rabies

definitely take this to a health care professional for evaluation

Answer 5

have you been to the Dr?? dogs mouths are full of bacteria your finger is probably infected. you need to go to the Dr and will need antibiotics and yes maybe a tetanus shot. did the bite go near your joint if so even more important to go to the Dr cause if the infection goes into the joint then it can get much worse and even may need surgery to clean it all up.

Answer 6

you dont need a tetnus shot.. those are from scratches with metal or rust... but, it could be infected and you should go to the doc for an antibiotic.. but you will have to report the dog, if you go!!!m