Friend's dog just bit my DS

[Lifeisacaberet]

DS (10) has just come back from friends house. When friend got out car she was giving apologies for a 'mishap'.
DS had sat down on sofa next to their very old dog and when he stroked the dogs head, it was obviously startled and bit DS on arm.

Friend said the dog had done it before to her DCs but they now knew how to act around it and not touch it when he's asleep. Shame they didn't pass that info onto DS!

Am fuming with my friend but in the meantime should I seek medical attention for DS? There is a tiny puncture wound but mostly the skin is raised and I think they'll be a nasty bite shaped bruise.

Do you think he needs to see a doctor? I think I would be tempted to slather in germoline and see what it's like tomorrow.

How is the bairn in himself?

I'd also make sure that it's been really well cleaned in dettol or tcp or something strong like that to ensure that he doesn't get any infection - and keep a close eye on it for the next few days.

Maybe ring 101 for advice?

I would seek medical advice and, personally, I think your friend's dog should be PTS if he's biting children.

I'd stick dettol and germolene on it and leave it if it's only tiny.

There's a higher risk of infection than a cut from something else, but other than that it's not any different.

She absolutely should have mentioned not disturbing the dog as it sleeps on the sofa and not on a bed, but don't most 10 yr olds know not to wake up a dog?

I do think your friend was totally irresponsible for not letting your son know not to disturb the dog when asleep, but the dog really can't be blamed for a natural self-protective reactions and I don't think it deserves to die for what is basically the fault of the humans.
Dog bites can get infected as their mouths are full of germs. /bacteria, so make sure the puncture wound is very well cleaned and disinfected, but wouldn't seek medical help unless it becomes hot / inflamed etc

I'd take him to be seen. They'll probably give him a tetanus booster unless he's had one recently.

I absolutely accept it wasn't the dogs fault, we have a dog of our own and the DCs have very strict rules on how to treat it.

I think the problem was it was on a settee where people sit and DS' instinct was to stroke its head. Totally ok in 99% of cases but this dog was clearly startled and lashed out because it's old and I think in pain. I guess lesson learned for DS but I do hope it doesn't cause any problems in the future.

DH appalled that they already had it put to sleep given that it's bitten DCs before.

That they HADN'T had it PTS....

They've had it put to sleep?

X post.

I wouldn't necessarily immediately pts a dog that bit, would totally depend on situation; so many dog bites are totally the fault of the humans involved, be they owners / friends / owners kids etc etc, the situation can often be managed, the dog rehomed or so on