Dog tetanus symptoms

Early symptoms may include stiffness around the jaw, difficulty opening the mouth, trouble swallowing and tight neck or abdominal muscles. Painful spasms can spread and may be triggered by touch, sound or movement. Tetanus is uncommon where vaccination is maintained, but a wound history and immunisation record are still relevant.

Clean a fresh wound with soap and running water, cover it, and contact a clinician promptly if it is deep, dirty, a puncture or linked to an uncertain vaccination history. Do not put household substances into the wound or take someone else’s medicine. Bring the vaccination record if available and explain when the injury happened.

Seek emergency care immediately for jaw locking, repeated muscle spasms, difficulty swallowing or breathing, fainting, confusion or rapidly worsening stiffness. Do not drive if spasms or weakness are severe. A clinician may need to manage the wound, protect breathing and update prevention; ask about Tetanus Vaccination.

Ask whether your symptoms could be tetanus or another condition, whether the wound needs further treatment, and which warning signs require observation in hospital. Clarify the next vaccination step and how to protect the wound while it heals.