It's every parent's nightmare-one moment your child is petting your neighbor's dog and the next you are dealing with a dog bite and the medical and emotional trauma that comes when a dog owner is not responsible or is careless with a dangerous animal.
Animal bites can be traumatic for young children and can lead to anxiety, fear, restlessness, and even acting out as their young brains struggle to work through the stress and emotional toll an attack can take. Should you or a loved be faced with helping a child recover from an animal bite, consult with a Dayton, Ohio dog bite attorney to help you recover from this horrifying experience.
Remind your child it is not their fault
Help your child understand that they were dealing with an unstable animal and that they did nothing wrong.
Encourage your child to talk about their feelings as often as they need to
They might need to talk once a week or four times a day no matter what, encourage your child to express their feelings and fears whenever they feel the urge.
Take your time reintroducing them to other animals
Be ready for your child to be wary of new animals and continue to encourage them to express their hesitations and fears. Be patient as your child works through their experience in their own way and don't force them to pet or interact with any animal before they've expressed interest in doing so.
Recognize the signs when a child needs professional help
Not all the damage can be washed away and sealed with a bandage. Some damage can run deeper than a parent or family member is prepared to deal with. Contact a therapist for additional help.