Pediatric Dog Bite Victims

Abstract

The authors assessed the ongoing needs of 34 pediatric dog bite victims and their families 1 month after receiving care in a pediatric emergency department. More than 70% of the parents noted at least 1 new concerning behavior in their children, and more than 85% of the parents also endorsed concerns about their own reactions. Half of the parents believed that children, in general, might benefit from interventions to help with postbite fears and nearly three quarters felt that families would benefit from education regarding dog bite prevention. The majority (85%) of the parents believed that additional supportive services could be offered effectively at emergency department or pediatric office/clinic visits. A template for a dog bite information card is presented.

Pet dog bites in children: management and prevention

“…Studies have demonstrated a spectrum of psychological disturbance in children following a dog bite from avoidance behaviours to formal diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). 16 Boat et al 15 found that in more than 70% of dog bite cases, parents reported at least one new concerning behaviour. Nearly a third of children demonstrated a new fear or avoidance of dogs and one-fifth experienced nightmares following the incident.…”

“…It is also important to note that there is a psychological impact on the carers of paediatric victims. Boat et al 15 found that 85% of parents whose child sustained a dog bite injury reported changes in their own feelings following the incident. Two-thirds reported feelings of guilt and just under half reported feeling angry or fearful for their child's safety.…”

“…9 12 The true incidence of dog bites is likely to be underestimated as studies have found that only a third of dog bite victims seek medical treatment and of those that do, not all will receive treatment in a hospital setting and therefore would not be included in the above figures. 13 14 In addition to physical impact, dog bites often carry psychological costs to the victim and their guardians, [15][16][17][18] which is understudied.…”

Teaching Children and Parents to Understand Dog Signaling

“…It has also been reported that 43% of patients on a maxillofacial ward for treatment after a dog bite were children under the age of 10 ( 40 ). Such injuries can lead to life-threatening medical conditions or psychological sequelae like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder ( 51 , 52 ). Whilst physical injuries are apparent, the psychological impact is less obvious, and left untreated can have long term consequences, not only for the victim but also their family ( 52 ).…”

“…Such injuries can lead to life-threatening medical conditions or psychological sequelae like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder ( 51 , 52 ). Whilst physical injuries are apparent, the psychological impact is less obvious, and left untreated can have long term consequences, not only for the victim but also their family ( 52 ). Seventy percent of all fatal dog bites involve children ( 53 , 54 ).…”