Understanding Pet Bites and Scratches and How Parents Can Respond

For many pet owners, having a dog or a cat at home brings immeasurable joy and companionship. Studies have shown that pets contribute to improved mental health, helping individuals feel happier, more relaxed, and less lonely. Their presence offers unconditional love and a sense of comfort, making them valuable members of the family.

Beyond the emotional support pets provide, they also play a crucial role in a child’s development. Growing up with a pet fosters compassion, patience, and responsibility in children. Assigning them tasks such as feeding their furry companion or cleaning up after it instills a sense of accountability at an early age. However, despite being treated as part of the family, pets are still animals with instincts and moods that must be respected.

Understanding animal behavior is essential to ensuring a safe and harmonious relationship between pets and children. Actions such as disturbing a pet while it is sleeping or eating, or forcing interaction when the animal is not in the mood, can lead to unintended consequences. Even a well-trained dog or cat may react instinctively with a scratch or bite when startled or agitated. This is why parents should always be vigilant and educate their children on how to properly interact with animals.

“When your child is bitten or scratched by a pet, time is of the essence,” says Amado A. Flores III, MD, of the Emergency Department at Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed), one of the top hospitals in the Philippines. “Wash the wound with soap and clean running water for 10-15 minutes, apply an antiseptic on the wound, and cover it with a sterile bandage. Bring your child to the ER immediately if the wound is swollen, doesn’t stop bleeding, and is so severe it shows bones, muscles, and tendons. Otherwise, make sure you’re at the hospital no more than eight hours after the bite. The longer you wait, the more you put your child at risk for infection and possible complications.”

Seeking medical attention promptly is crucial, especially since rabies remains a significant public health concern in the Philippines. According to the Department of Health, there were 354 reported rabies cases from January to September 2024, marking a 23-percent increase from the previous year. This alarming statistic highlights the importance of keeping pets’ vaccinations up to date and taking every precaution to prevent bites and scratches.

At the hospital, medical professionals will ask about the circumstances surrounding the bite or scratch. “Has the pet had its rabies shots, or is its vaccination status unknown? Was it behaving strangely?” enumerates Dr. Flores. “Ideally, you’ll have to quarantine the animal to observe it for 10 days. Whether the dog or cat becomes ill or not, we strongly recommend a series of anti-rabies shots on your child.”

Post-exposure shots consist of four rabies vaccine doses given on days 0, 3, 7, and 14 (plus a fifth dose on Day 28 if the patient is immunocompromised), along with a single dose of human rabies immune globulin (HRIG). The HRIG provides immediate passive immunity, while the vaccine helps the body produce its own antibodies against the rabies virus. Those who have been previously vaccinated require only two booster doses on Day 0 and Day 3 for subsequent exposures.

Beyond rabies, pet bites and scratches can introduce harmful bacteria into the wound. “Dog and cat bites and scratches can transmit bacteria to the wound,” warns Dr. Flores. “Capnocytophaga and Pasteurella multocida from dog bites can lead to fever, diarrhea, swollen joints, and blisters or pus on the wound. The same symptoms have also been observed in Pasteurella multocida, Staphylococcus aureus, and Campylobacteriosis—bacteria found in the saliva of cats. Treatment for such conditions includes antibiotics or a tetanus shot.”

To minimize the risk of pet-related injuries, parents should teach children to respect animals and recognize warning signs of aggression. “Keep your pets’ vaccinations up to date, and teach your kids to respect dogs and cats, and all kinds of animals,” advises Dr. Flores. “Don’t bother them when they’re eating or sleeping, don’t run away or toward an unfamiliar dog or cat, never reach for a dog or cat from a gate or fence, and keep your child away from an animal once it starts to show signs of aggression.”

A household with pets is filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. While interactions with furry family members are often positive, it is essential to be proactive in preventing accidents. “When you spend time in close contact with dogs or cats, scratches and bites are both avoidable and inevitable,” says Dr. Flores. “Be steps ahead: Have your pets vaccinated regularly, remind your children to be gentle with a dog or cat, and act quickly in the event of a scratch or bite.”

For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph. Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.