Small dog bite

[QueenAnnaOfArrandale]

What would you do if you had a small dog bite?
Dog accidentally bit me when playing this morning. Have 2 small puncture wounds, both bleeding freely. Not overly deep but deep enough they are both bleeding.

Never had a tetanus shot as an adult. It's a family members dog which had all injections as a puppy but had no boosters.

Nhs advises to contact if broken skin but I know they are really busy and don't want to call them if not needed?

Animal bites you should always get checked, risk of infection is quite high. I've seen tiny bites go really nasty.*
Tetanus wise, if you've not had 5 shots in your lifetime you aren't considered adequately protected.

You should go to minor injuries if possible as they will be open today.

*Practice nurse, I've treated a fair few dog bites.

Minor injuries units won't be that busy by the way, so please don't worry about bothering the NHS with this. We'd rather that than be treating long term damage caused by not getting help soon enough.

I wouldn’t do anything other than clean it ,stick some antiseptic on and then keep an eye on it for a couple of days and get advice if it looks manky . I’ve been bitten a few times by my sisters dog and it’s always been ok .

The official advice is to get it checked out and to get your tetanus, perhaps antibiotics as well. If you're worried, get it checked.

However I've been bitten a couple of times and I've never been to the hospital for it. I always wash the wound out properly, use antiseptic cream and then cover for a couple of days to keep it protected, then just let it air out. I've never had any issues.

Thanks everyone. I went to minor injuries & they said it was best I had went due to the swelling/bruising around the wound too. All sorted now!

@QueenAnnaOfArrandale

Thanks everyone. I went to minor injuries & they said it was best I had went due to the swelling/bruising around the wound too. All sorted now!

Glad you're okay! It'll be sore for a good few days so be gentle - mine was worst day 2-3.