While pets bring joy, companionship, and valuable lessons to children, they can sometimes unintentionally injure them. Scratches or bites from even vaccinated pets should always be taken seriously, as they may still pose health risks like infection or even rabies.
Dr. Amado A. Flores III of Makati Medical Center outlines four essential steps to take if your child is scratched or bitten by a pet:
1. Administer First Aid Immediately
Clean the wound thoroughly under running water with soap for 10–15 minutes. Apply antiseptic and cover with a sterile bandage.
2. Seek Medical Attention Promptly
If the wound is deep, bleeding heavily, or shows muscle or bone, head to the ER immediately. For all bites or scratches, visit a hospital within 8 hours to prevent infection or complications.
3. Share Vital Details About the Incident
Doctors will ask if the pet has received rabies shots, or if it showed unusual behavior. Ideally, the animal should be quarantined for 10 days. Regardless of behavior, rabies shots for the child are strongly recommended.
4. Complete All Recommended Vaccinations
Treatment includes four rabies vaccine doses on Days 0, 3, 7, and 14, plus a fifth dose on Day 28 for immunocompromised patients. HRIG (human rabies immune globulin) should be given immediately after exposure to provide early protection.
Rabies remains a serious issue in the Philippines, with 354 cases recorded from January to September 2024 — a 23% increase from the previous year.
Dr. Flores reminds parents to always update their pets’ vaccines, teach children to handle pets gently, and act quickly in emergencies. Even vaccinated pets can carry bacteria in their saliva that cause infections like Pasteurella, Staphylococcus aureus, or Capnocytophaga, which may require antibiotics or a tetanus shot.
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