Beware of Dog Bites
If injuries arise, Cleveland Clinic offers expert, specialty care
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 4.7 million people a year are bitten by man’s best friend. Of those, many require medical attention for their bites.
“Fortunately, dog bites are largely preventable,” says Mark Hendrickson, MD, a Cleveland Clinic plastic surgeon who specializes in hand surgery. When bites do occur, injuries are mainly to the face, neck and hands, he says. Immediate and proper treatment can help prevent complications, including infections and scarring.
If you or a child is bitten severely by a dog, go to the nearest emergency room or call 9-1-1 right away. Depending upon the location and extent of the injuries, most ER professionals will recommend you follow up with a qualified plastic or orthopaedic surgeon within several days. “ERs can be busy places,” warns Dr. Hendrickson, “so be sure to ask about specialty follow-up care if the ER professionals don’t make a specific recommendation.”
Dog bite injuries to the hands and arm are treated best using a team approach. At the Clinic’s Hand and Upper Extremity Center, of which Dr. Hendrickson is a member, patients are seen by skilled plastic and orthopaedic surgeons. “Following treatment, patients usually require rehabilitative therapy. We have a terrific team of hand therapists who works with patients to regain occupational and recreational skills.”
In addition to dog bite injuries, physicians within the center treat a variety of occupational, sports, and acute, traumatic injuries.
For an appointment at the Hand and Upper Extremity Center, call 216.444.HAND (4263).
Tips to Prevent Dog Bites:
- Never approach an unfamiliar dog. If an unfamiliar dog approaches you, stand still like a tree. Never run!
- If you think a dog is about to attack you, put something between yourself and the dog, like a backpack or bicycle.
- If a dog knocks you down, roll into a ball, cover your face and stay still.
- Children should never approach a dog or play with a dog unless supervised by an adult. Be sure to let a dog see and sniff you first.
- Children should tell an adult if they see a stray dog or a dog acting strangely.
- Don't look a dog right in the eye.
- Don't disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating or caring for puppies.
- Never leave an infant or young child alone with any dog, not even the family pet.
