Small dog bite- worried AIBU

[Naughtychihuahua]

my chihuahua caught my hand when I was throwing his toy, wasn’t an aggressive bite but my skin is grazed on my finger where he bit down for the toy, I have very bad health anxiety and fear of hospitals, I know I sound ridiculous but does this need looking at? Do I need a tetanus? Panicking!!!

I have posted photos just waiting for approval

I get small scratches and bites from my cats from time to time - nothing serious has ever come out of it and it would never have occurred to me to seek medical attention.

are you and your dog up to date on your vaccines?

It is a tiny scratch you will be ok unless your dog is carrying diseases.

I feel ridiculous, my anxiety is through the roof since my dad died a few weeks ago, every small thing makes me panic 😩

Just wash your hand and try to relax. I presume you’re fully vaccinated against tetanus (5 shots over the course of your lifetime)?

I would honestly say you don't need to worry.

I’ve had all my childhood vaccines and my dog was vaccinated about a month ago

I had all my childhood vaccines, I’ve never needed a tetanus booster, I was born in 94, if that makes a difference to the vaccine schedule x

Then you’re fine.

Just to note, private travel vaccination clinics are generally happy to give out extra tetanus boosters if you haven’t had one in the last 10 years - just to be extra safe. Not saying you need that in connection with this little bite, but if it will make you feel less anxious the next time this happens, it might be worth considering?

I'm so sorry your dad has died. Grief can kick up a lot of dust.

If this anxiety continues please see your GP they're quite familiar with grief issues and can help. Don't struggle alone.

BTW you'll be fine with the wee scratch.

I'm so sorry for the loss of your Dad, do you have good support around you?
Your hand is absolutely fine and you don't need to go to the hospital.

If it was me I would wash my hands and let the water run over the scratch for a few moments to clean it , dry it gently with a clean, fresh towel and pop a small plaster over the top until the morning.

I also keep Elastoplast wound spray in my cupboard for moments like this as my dog can get a bit nippy when he’s over excited and I feel like it works well for cleaning a scratch or graze.

I remember reading a few years ago, a dog was in more danger of getting tetanus from receiving a human bite than we ever are of getting it from a dog bite, not that I know anyone who goes around biting dogs of course!

You'll definitely be fine, I had to squint to see the scratch. I've had much worse from a variety of animals (I work with animals!) and never had any issues.

I'm sorry about your dad, I lost mine recently too and can relate to the impact it has.