Bites, Animal And Human

Should your child suffer a bite that breaks the skin, prompt medical care is essential. This applies whether the bite is from a playmate, a wild or stray animal, or the family pet.

Biting is a natural behavior in infants that usually begins at around five to six months of age, as solid foods are introduced. Biting and chewing are among the first willful actions a baby learns (unlike suckling, which is an instinctive response). If your baby is teething, biting down on something helps relieve the pressure an emerging tooth exerts.

Toddlers and older children may use biting to show hostility or to get attention. One child may bite another during play. Unless a child has severe emotional problems, this behavior will be outgrown. Nonetheless, it goes without saying that biting should be discouraged.

Supplements and herbs

See age-appropriate dosages of herbal remedies

• An Echinacea and goldenseal combination formula will help detoxify the blood and prevent infection. Give your child one dose, three times daily, for three to five days.
• To speed healing and help prevent infection, make a goldenseal and calendula compress and apply it to the bite, three times a day, until the wound has closed.
• Garlic has antibiotic properties, and helps to detoxify the blood. Give your child one capsule of a garlic supplement, three times a day, for one week. If your child will accept it, you may give her fresh garlic instead of the capsule form. Substitute one clove of fresh garlic for each capsule.

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