✅ Step 1: Check the Injury Carefully

Look closely at the skin, even if your child is crying and moving.

Check for:

• Broken skin, puncture wounds, or scratches
• Bleeding (even a small amount counts)
• Swelling or bruising
• Bites to the face, head, neck, hands, or genitals (higher risk areas)

👉 If skin is broken, this is considered a true bite — even if it looks tiny.

✅ Step 2: Clean the Wound Immediately

This is one of the most important steps you can take.

If the skin is broken:

1. Wash the area with soap and running water for at least 5 minutes
2. Let mild bleeding happen — it helps flush bacteria
3. Apply a gentle antiseptic if available
4. Cover loosely with a clean bandage

❌ Avoid tightly sealing the wound or repeatedly using hydrogen peroxide.

✅ Step 3: Decide on Medical Care (When in Doubt, Go)

Your child should be seen by a healthcare provider the same day if:

• The skin was broken or bleeding
• Your child is under 5 years old
• The bite was unprovoked
• The bite is on the face, head, or hands
• You're unsure how deep the wound is

A doctor may:

• Prescribe preventive antibiotics
• Check tetanus vaccination status
• Assess rabies risk
• Properly document the injury

👉 For toddlers and preschoolers, medical evaluation is often recommended even for small bites.

✅ Step 4: Rabies Risk — What Parents Should Know

Rabies is rare in vaccinated, owned dogs — but it's always taken seriously.

• Ask if the dog is vaccinated against rabies (written records are best)
• If the dog is known and healthy, it is usually observed for 10 days
• Rabies shots are typically not started right away if the dog remains healthy

⚠️ If the dog is stray, unknown, unvaccinated, or cannot be observed — seek medical care urgently.

✅ Step 5: Watch for Signs of Infection

Over the next 24–72 hours, monitor closely.

Get medical help if you notice:

• Increasing redness, warmth, or swelling
• Pus or discharge
• Fever
• Increasing pain or limited movement