5 week old DS scratched by dog

[Summermum479]

Hi all, feeling a bit anxious and unsure and looking for advice!

Took our dog on a walk earlier with DS in sling with partner. Our dog was playing with another dog (we do know this dog and its owners quite well) and their dog jumped up at partner and ended up scratching DS’s right leg. I have attached a picture of the scratch and we have since bathed it in cool boiled water and put some antiseptic cream on but as he is only 5 weeks and not yet had his immunisations, would we need to seek medical advice over this? The cut at no point bled and does appear to be surface level only but I’m a FTM and constantly second guessing myself?

It doesn't look bad but with a baby that age I would always seek medical advice. You could call 111.

It's just a tiny scratch, shit happens. Remember kids thru time and the world over haven't been jabbed and are fine, and baby jabs don't prevent a scratch getting infected in any case. Just keep it clean and keep an eye on him and you'll all be fine. It's nerve wracking with child no 1. If you have any more in future you'll be amazed how blasé you are with them compared to your first.

Yes @lavenderlou currently on hold to 111 now! I’m sure he will be fine but just best to double check!

Never wrong to call 111 at that age in my view

Thanks all for advice/opinions! Spoke to 111 and they said surface wounds as above are usually okay and do not require any further treatment but a clinician would call back if any further advice can be given, which is what I originally thought but always nice to have this confirmed by a medical professional 😂

Everything will probably be perfectly fine, but I would keep a sharp eye and if there are any changes, I would have it looked at.

Sweet little baby leg 🥰

Good lord, no wonder 111 are always too busy.

Your baby has a scratch. What are you expecting them to say?

I will take a wild stab in the dark and say they'll ask you how the baby is in themselves in terms of temperature, feeding etc. Tell you you've done the right thing in cleaning it. Tell you to monitor it and call back if any problem actually develops.

It hasn’t broken the skin. Infection can’t get into unbroken skin. You cleaned it anyway.

I think all first time parents (not just you OP) need to consider how much they use the NHS for things that aren’t necessary! It’s a total waste of precious resource.

i would pay more heed to jumping dogs in future and ask your friend to not let her dog jump again or ensure whoever has the baby in the sling stands furthest from the dog

I would've just phoned a relative or friend with experience to put my head straight 😀 .

@PucketyPuckPuck appreciate what your saying but please appreciate that I said they would call back IF any further advice was necessary. I did not ask them to call me back. Appreciate that the issue was minor but as he is only 5 weeks old I don’t see the harm in getting this double checked. Thanks for your opinion though!

You did the right thing, @Summermum479 . I’d always err on the side of caution for a baby that young, too.

Hopefully he’ll be fine

Awww, what a sweet little leg.
Scratches are usually very minor. Unless they turn red and weepy, they can be treated with a warm wash and pat dry.

@Summermum479 Congratulations on your new baby. You and your partner are doing great at parenting, you sound like an awesome mum.

I think you did the right thing to call 111, it’s better to be safe than sorry and that’s what they are there for. 💖

its just a light scratch its 100% fine .
please consider your use of nhs , lots of people wait hours to get help because if bad advise given to call nhs .

Isn’t 111 for non urgent medical advice to take the pressure off 999 which is for emergencies?

And 111 is also available online but not for questions about children under 5 yrs old.