Your Child Gets Scratched or Bitten by a Pet

If your family has a pet dog or cat, you already know how much joy and love they bring into your home. Pets teach kids responsibility, patience, and kindness—plus, they make the best cuddle buddies! But no matter how well-behaved or beloved your furry friend is, accidents can still happen. A sudden movement, an overexcited pet, or even an innocent pat while they’re eating or sleeping could lead to a scratch or bite.

As a mom, your first instinct is to make sure your little one is okay. But even if your pet is fully vaccinated, pet bites and scratches should never be ignored. Here’s what you need to do to keep your child safe:

Step 1: Clean the Wound Immediately

Dr. Amado A. Flores III from Makati Medical Center stresses that time is crucial when dealing with bites or scratches. Right away, wash the affected area with soap and clean running water for 10-15 minutes. Then, apply an antiseptic and cover it with a sterile bandage.

Step 2: Assess the Severity

Some wounds need urgent medical attention. Take your child to the emergency room immediately if:
The wound is deep, bleeding heavily, or exposing muscle/bone.
There is swelling, redness, or pus.
Your child develops fever, diarrhea, or swollen joints after the bite.

Otherwise, even with minor bites, bring them to a doctor within 8 hours to prevent infections.

Step 3: Know Your Pet’s Vaccination Status

The doctor will ask if your pet has complete rabies shots. If not—or if the bite was from a stray—your child may need a series of anti-rabies shots. Rabies is fatal, but 100% preventable with vaccination. Even vaccinated pets can transmit bacteria, so a tetanus shot or antibiotics may also be necessary.

Step 4: Teach Your Kids Pet Safety

Prevent future incidents by reminding kids:
Respect pets’ boundaries—don’t disturb them while they eat or sleep.
No pulling tails or sudden hugs—gentle petting only.
Avoid reaching through fences or gates to touch a pet.
Never chase or run from an unfamiliar dog or cat.

Step 5: Keep Your Pets Healthy

The best way to protect your family? Keep your pets’ vaccinations up to date. A well-cared-for pet is less likely to be aggressive and more likely to be a loving, safe companion for your child.

Growing up with pets is a beautiful experience for kids, filled with love and fun memories. But as parents, we need to stay alert and prepared for any accidents. By acting fast and teaching kids how to interact with animals safely, we can ensure that their bond with pets remains a happy and healthy one.

Stay safe, fur moms and dads!