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Do You Need a Tetanus Shot After a Dog Bite? 

Published on Jan 21, 2025 at 5:37 pm in Dog Bite.

Do You Need a Tetanus Shot After a Dog Bite? 

Getting bitten by a dog can be traumatic. Alongside the emotional damage, you need to take care of your physical injuries. Since dogs have bacteria in their mouths, you might need to take steps to attend to the wound.

There is always the worry about infections, especially tetanus. So, how do you know if you need a tetanus shot after a dog bite? Here is what you need to do to protect your health.

Why Should You Care About Tetanus

Tetanus is a serious infection caused by Clostridium tetani according to the Mayo Clinic. This bacterium lives in soil, dust, and even animal feces and saliva.

If these bacteria find their way into a wound, they produce toxins that can disrupt your nervous system. As a result, you could face painful muscle stiffness and spasms, including lockjaw.

In the worst cases, tetanus can lead to life-threatening complications like breathing problems.

However, tetanus is rare in people who are vaccinated. But if you’ve been bitten by a dog, especially if the wound is deep or dirty, you might want to get a booster.

Can Dog Bites Spread Infections?

A dog’s mouth is not a sterile environment. It is full of bacteria like Pasteurella and Staphylococcus. While most bites will not lead to tetanus, deep punctures create a low-oxygen environment for Clostridium tetani to thrive.

You will need a tetanus shot if:

  • The wound is deep, jagged, or punctured.
  • The bite was not cleaned properly after it happened.
  • A stray or unknown dog bit you in an outdoor setting.
  • You have not had a tetanus booster for higher-risk wounds in the last 10 years (or 5 years).

Should You Get a Tetanus Shot?

In these cases, it depends. You need a healthcare provider to look at your wound and vaccination history to decide if you need one. These points are taken into consideration:

Your Vaccination History

When was your last tetanus shot? If you’re not sure, it is better to play it safe. Adults should get a tetanus booster every 10 years. However, if you’re dealing with a high-risk wound, you might need one.

The Type of Wound

Not all dog bites are the same. A small scratch or shallow bite might not require a tetanus shot, especially if you clean it right away. On the other hand, a deep puncture or a wound that looks dirty might need a shot.

Timing

If a tetanus shot is recommended, you will want to get it within 48 hours of the bite. However, even if more time has passed, getting the shot can still help with an infection.

What To Do After a Dog Bite

If you’ve been bitten, you do not want to panic. The first step should be to wash the wound with soap and warm water for several minutes. You want to get rid of as much bacteria as possible right away. After cleaning, you need to disinfect the area with an antiseptic like hydrogen peroxide or iodine.

If the wound is bleeding, you can press a clean cloth or bandage against it to stop the flow. You may want to elevate the area to minimize swelling.

Even if the bite seems minor, always have a doctor check it out. They can determine if you need antibiotics, stitches, or a tetanus shot. You will want to do this if:

  • You don’t know the dog’s vaccination history.
  • You have a health condition that affects your immune system.

Getting medical documentation can also help if you decide to pursue legal action against the dog’s owner. All owners are responsible for their pet’s actions. If the dog bites someone, they may have to pay for your medical costs.

Even with treatment, you will want to keep an eye on the wound over the next few days. If you notice redness, swelling, warmth, or pus, or if you develop a fever, contact your healthcare provider right away.

While not every dog bite means you need a tetanus shot, you need to take any incidents seriously. Deep wounds, incomplete vaccination history, or bites from unknown dogs can increase the risk of tetanus.

You will always want to be cautious when it comes to your well-being. A quick visit to your healthcare provider can give you peace of mind and set the foundation for any legal claim.

If you have been attacked by a dog in Charlestown, consider exploring your legal options. At DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC, we are happy to discuss your situation.