Help Mom's....I am a little scared of what to do? My dog(12yrs old) has a REALLY bad staph infection on his back. My vet said to give him antibiotics for 3 wks and hope that this clears it up. My concern is my son. He is 2yrs old and loves "his Jack". I am afraid of him "catching" the staph infection from the dog. The vet said as long as my son does not touch the infected area he should be fine. My dog is definitely an outside dog..I could tie him up, but feel bad that he is tied up. I also do not have a kennel. What do you mom's think? HAve you ever heard of anyone catching a staph infection from a dog?
My nieces are getting over a staph infection. The Dr said it is very contagious and they should stay away from other children for at least 2 weeks. It was on their faces and the dr said that it migrates and could reach their eyes and possibly cause blindness. Thankfully when it migrated it went downward to the mouth rather then the eyes.
I would absolutely not allow he to play with the dog at all.
I'm sorry.
I'm sorry if this sounds sharp, but what would make you feel worse, keeping your dog tied up for 3 weeks, or having to treat your your son for a staff infection because you felt bad for the dog?
Yes I have heard of someone catching this from their dog. A family friend that was in his 50's at the time, caught it from one of his Australian Shepherds. Anyway, it can happen, so DO be careful. I would try not to feel bad if you have to keep your dog tethered, its either you do that, or your 2 year old could get the infection and thats definitely unacceptable. Remember that 3 weeks or so is NOT long time, and also remember that you are doing the right thing and it must be done.
I believe it is possible, sure.
My Dad once, got ring-worm from our dog.
Staph... I believe it highly contagious, from either human or animal.
I know a 2 year old Toddler may not understand... and they lack impulse control... but maybe you could cover your dog's staph infection with a bandage/gauze/covering???
Or, maybe call your Pediatrician.. .and ask them for any ideas? I would try that too.
ANYONE that your dog comes in contact with, or other dogs, he could infect them too. So think about that... I would be irked if my pet or child got contaminated from a neighbor's dog.
all the best,
Susan
i would also be consirned that your son would touch the dogs meds on his back and put his hand in his mouth. i would let the dog run free then when its time for your son to go outside put the dog in the kitchen or other area that can be closed off. good luck
Never heard of people catching staph from a dog, but why risk it. Even though he's 2 explain to your son that Jack has a "owie" and he cannot touch it. It would hurt Jack if he touched it. He should be able to understand the owie idea. And I would get a kennel for the dog. For your protection and the dog. I don't know if it itches or anything but you don't want him rubbing up against furniture and making it worse.
Just wrap a bandage around your dog, and wash your son's hands more frequently. I think it's highly unlikely he's going to catch the infection.
Keeping the dig tied up alone for 3 weeks would be really hard on the dog.
(I read the other responses, and I could be wrong on this one -- why not ask the vet or a doctor?)
Staph is everywhere. You can literally catch it from anything that has staph strains of bacteria on it.
Here are what some leading health sites have on the subject:
http://www.healthychildren.org/english/search/pages/resul...
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/staph-infections/DS00973...
http://www.webmd.com/video/preventing-staph-infections
However, because you know it's on your dog, I'd agree to keep your son away from him as much as possible.
Our daughter had MRSA (Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus) a few weeks ago. It can be pretty serious, and she was immediately put on a strong antibiotic for it. Surprisingly, when we asked the pediatrician if she needed to be kept out of day care, he said not as long as the affected area was covered by clothing.
Can they shave the area on your dog and cover it with a bandage or a bandana (something protective) while you're treating it with antibiotics.
Good luck!
I am kind of amazed at the posts here and the lack of knowledge about staph. Yes, you are right to be concerned and yes, you should take precautions to ensure that your son does not come in contact with your dog's wound, but staph is literally EVERYWHERE. I know this sounds gross, but it is living in your home and on your skin right now at this very moment. However, not everyone gets an infection from staph. The infection part is usually caused by a weakened immune system. Unless you are living in a bubble, you are going to come in contact with staph.
I would probably buy a kennel. At least then the dog can be with the family. 12 years old is old for a dog, I'd feel bad tying him up all alone too. And ask the vet about wrapping a bandage like someone else mentioned?
