dog bites: more serious than you thought

​        When my granddaughter, Kaitlyn, was three, she and her mom were visiting. We had someone coming to care for our pet while we were on vacation. This person was holding her small dog while talking with us. I was holding Kaitlyn.
          Without warning or provocation, our friend’s dog lunged at my granddaughter, biting her on the cheek. The puncture wound and a touch of bleeding was evident. Obviously. Kaitlyn was beside herself with terror and upset. We didn’t hire the pet sitter.
          Immediately we took our granddaughter to the ER and she was treated for the dog bite. It took 3 of us to hold her down and still as they were washing out the wound before stitching it up. Through her tears, I remember her saying, self-soothingly and pathetically, “It’ll be over soon.”
          Dog bites seem incidental, but they can be more serious than you thought. My friend and colleague Eric Bullard, attorney at Richmond/Vona LLC (Buffalo, NY, 716/300-5765) acquainted me with a very thorough article, which I am passing on to you.
          Mental Health Impact of Dog Bites in Children goes into great detail on how traumatizing dog bites can be, especially to children. The hidden psychological effects of dog bites include:

1. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
2. Phobias
3. Nighmares, Sleep Disturbances, and Intrusive Thoughts
4. Anxiety, Depression, and Mood Disorders
5. Regression and Developmental Backsliding
6. Social and Academic Impacts, and
7. Family, Trust, and Worldview Changes

Mental health relapses are frequent, even with follow-up clinical care. Triggers include environmental, sensory, emotional and situational. Contact Eric Bullard at [email protected] and check out the practice website at www.richmondvona.com.
Blessings,
Dr. Jon

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