Animal

Bites

Summer illness Series 2

Classified - Internal use

How can dog bites be prevented?

Any dog of any breed has the potential to

bite. Dog bites are a largely preventable public

health problem.

Before you bring a dog into your

household:

•Work with a local animal shelter, rescue

organization or reputable breeder. They can

often help you find breeds and dogs within

those breeds that will be a good fit for your

household.

•Choose a veterinarian who can help you

identify a reputable trainer for your new family

member.

•Be sensitive to cues that a child is fearful or

apprehensive about a dog. If a child seems

frightened by dogs, wait before bringing a dog

into your household. Dogs with histories of

aggression are not suitable for households

with children.

•Spend time with a dog before buying or

adopting it. Use caution when bringing a dog

into a household with an infant or toddler.

Once you decide to bring a dog into

your home:

•Spay/neuter your dog (this often reduces

aggressive tendencies).

•Vaccinate your dog

•Never leave infants or young children alone

with a dog.

•Don’t play aggressive games with your dog

(e.g., wrestling).

•Properly socialize and train any dog entering

your household. Teach the dog submissive

behaviors (e.g., rolling over to expose the

abdomen and giving up food without

growling).

•Immediately seek professional advice (e.g.,

from veterinarians, animal behaviorists, or

responsible trainers) if the dog develops

aggressive or undesirable behaviors.

Teach children basic safety tips and

review them regularly:

•Do not approach an unfamiliar dog.

•Do not run from a dog or scream.

•Remain motionless (e.g., "be still like a tree")

when approached by an unfamiliar dog.

•If knocked over by a dog, roll into a ball and

be still.

•Do not play with a dog unless supervised by

an adult.

•Immediately report stray dogs or dogs

displaying unusual behavior to an adult.

•Avoid direct eye contact with a dog.

•Do not disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating,

or caring for puppies.

•Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see

and sniff you first.

•If bitten, immediately report the bite to an

adult.

Ref: Center for Disease Control

Bite Wounds definition: Insects, animals, snakes, and humans

can inflict painful bites that may require

extensive treatment. For those people

who are sensitized, severe anaphylactic

reactions can occur. Potential for

secondary infection is always a

consideration.

Signs and Symptoms: Bite wounds can range from superficial to

puncture wound, to contusion, to severe

laceration or crushing injury inflicting

tissue damage which may involve tendons

or joint capsules. Snake and insect

bites/stings can involve envenomation

with resultant anaphylaxis or toxic

reaction.

Intervention (General):

Human and Animal Bites:

1. Assess extent of injury.

2. Obtain an accurate history of type of

animal, time of occurrence, and Tetanus

immunization status.

3. Cleanse lacerations and punctures with

soap and water.

4. Apply topical antibiotic ointment, per

doctors order, and a dry sterile dressing if

needed.

5. Keep affected part at rest. Keep body part

at or below level of heart if possible.

6. Administer analgesics if indicated per

doctors order.

Signs and Symptoms: Moist, cool, clammy, pale skin with

cyanosis of the lips, nails, fingertips and

ear lobes.

Restlessness and apprehension

Rapid, weak pulse

Progressively lower blood pressure

Shallow or labored respirations.

Extreme thirst

Possible urinary retention & incontinence of

feces

Intervention:

Treatment for shock must be

rapidly administered and take precedence over

all else besides CPR, and control of gross

hemorrhage.

1. Notify clinic if inside plant/ alert and

response if outside coca-cola sites.

Immediately transport to nearest qualified

hospital.

2. Obtain frequent vital signs, including

level of consciousness and pupil size- initiate

CPR if indicated (if with medical personnel)

3. Control any gross bleeding.

4. Place in lying position with legs slightly

elevated. (If breathing is difficult employee

may need to be in a sidelying position)

5. Administer Oxygen per standing order

6. Give nothing by mouth.

7. Keep warm but do not overheat.

8. Keep employee stabilized in a calm,

quiet environment.

Classified - Internal use

Intervention (General): 7. Employee to change dressing daily and to

keep it clean and dry.

8. Counsel employee regarding wound care

on and off the job, as well as signs and

symptoms of infection (e.g., fever, redness,

swelling, warmth at site, drainage, foul odor,

streaks).

9. Have your self vaccinated (post exposure

prophylaxis) Note:

1-8 is done by medical personnel

3,5,7,9 is done by employee in the absence of medical

personnel (consult immediately)

Snake Bites:

1. Notify clinic if inside plant/ alert and

response if outside coca-cola sites.

Immediately transport to nearest qualified

hospital.

2. Apply ice to decrease discomfort.

3. Immobilize the extremity. Keep body part

at or below level of heart if possible.

4. Keep employee warm and calm.

5. Remove any jewelry from affected body

part (potential for swelling).

6. Prevent and treat for shock. (Refer to

shock protocol.)

Shock Definition:

A clinical syndrome in which the peripheral

blood flow is inadequate to return sufficient

blood to the heart for normal function

particularly transport of oxygen to all organs

and tissues. Causes of shock include

hemorrhage, infection, drug reaction, trauma,

burns, poisoning, myocardial infarction, and

dehydration.