When Teeth Bring Tears I t can happen in the blink of an e ye. An irate Kitty spins around and sinks her teeth into your toddler's hand. The same thing can happen with Bowser or Fido, of course. Even the mildest-mannered pet can turn feisty or excited when overwhelmed by kid irritations. And sometimes it's another child that takes a bite.
Small children tend to try out their teeth on anything within reach.
Whether your child is bitten by a pet, a wild animal or an intolerant playmate, you should call a physician as soon as possible. In the meantime, here's what you can do before you get to the doctor's office. Stop the bleeding. ''Apply continued pressure until the bleeding stops, which should be two to five minutes,'' says Ellie J. C. Goldstein, M.D., clinical professor of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, UCLA School of Medicine. When to See the Doctor Physicians recommend that all bite wounds, whether animal or human, be seen by a doctor if the skin is broken. If your child has been bitten by a wild animal or a pet that has rabies, he will need a series of shots to prevent rabies, says Ellie J. C. Goldstein, M.D., clinical professor of medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, UCLA School of Medicine.