Dog Bites and Kids

The Question:

Should the treatment of a dog bite go beyond the emergency room?

The Study:

Doctors at the University of Cincinnati contacted the families of 34 pediatric dog bite victims. They questioned the families on any behavioral changes that arose from the dog bite.

The Results:

More than 70 percent of the parents noted at least one concerning behavioral change in their child that they attributed to the dog bite. Eighty-five percent of the parents had concerns over their own reactions to the dog bite. Half the parents thought post-bite interventions would benefit their children. They also thought more education on dog bite prevention would be useful.

Comment:

The treatment of dog bites shouldn’t necessarily end in the emergency room, as there can be long-lasting emotional or psychological effects.

Read More:

Clinical Pediatrics, 05/12

For more information on children's health go to Pediatrics for Parents.