Dog Bite: Anything I should do?

Question

We just got a new dog about 4 days ago. The previous owners said he was UTD on his shots. My friend got bit today by him on the back of her hand and it bled. Is there anything we need to be concerned about?

Answer 1

Well, you might be concerned about Rabies.

But it's unlikely.

Just take her to the Doctor's just to be safe.

Answer 2

First of all, how old is this dog?  Did the previous owner give you his vaccination record?  All vets issue them when they give a dog its shots.  If not then the dog probably has not been vaccinated.  If it is just a puppy there should be no problem.  But, if not and your friend is not up to date with his tetanus shots then I would suggest he goes to the doc and get this done.

The fact that the dog bit your friend is a cause for concern.  Was your friend teasing him?  Or playing rough with the dog?  Was it a deliberate bite, or an accident because of play?   The reason for the dog biting should decide what action should be taken.    If accidental then tell your friend not to be so rough.   If deliberate then the dog will have to be watched, and corrected if it tries to do the same again.   that can be a difficult training exercise.

Answer 3

People , the dog is new to the house.  He is more then likely scared and nervous.  If the bite is just a scratch, then soap and water is just fine.  Anything more then that should be looked at and don't close it up, even the doctor told me that.  I got bitten about 7 weeks ago and the doctor put a stitch in the middle of the wound.  They gave me antibiotics and polysporin.  The doctor also gave me a tetnus shot too.  Oh and hope the shots are up to date

Answer 4

your friend should go for a Tetanus shot if she hasn't had one in a while.  i would be concerned why the dog bit your friend, was it provoked or for no particular reason you know of.

i would contact the previous owner and ask if the dog has bit before.  in the mean time i would keep all children away from the dog and caution other adults that he has bitten in the past.  i would contact a trainer to help you work thru any issues the dog may have.  good luck

Answer 5

If I was the one that was bit I would clean the wound with soap & water & pour some hydrogen peroxide on it.  If it needed stitches I'd use some butter fly bandages & just tape it closed.

If I were you I'd do something about the dogs aggression.

Answer 6

Unless the previous owner gave you the paper showing the shots or the vet's name so your doctor can check, your friend is at risk. Who knows if the previous owner is telling the truth. i wouldn't risk my life on it.

If you have the paper or vet's name, see your doctor asap.

If you don't,

Go to the emergency clinic now.

Answer 7

Well the previous owner should have given you a sheet saying that he was UTD with his shots.  I think you should be more worried about how aggressive your dog is.