Animal Bites

Call 911 if: 

• The person has been seriously wounded.
• Bleeding can't be stopped after 10 minutes of firm and steady pressure.
• Bleeding is severe.
• Blood spurts from the wound.

1. Stop Bleeding

• Apply direct pressure until bleeding stops.

2. Clean and Protect

• For a wound or superficial scratch from an animal bite:
• Gently clean with soap and warm water. Rinse for several minutes after cleaning.
• Apply antibiotic cream to reduce risk of infection, and cover with a sterile bandage.

3. Get Help

• Get medical help immediately for any animal bite that is more than a superficial scratch or if the animal was a wild animal or stray, regardless of the severity of the injury.
• If the animal's owner is available, find out if the animal's rabies shots are up-to-date. Give this information to your health care provider.
• If the animal was a stray or wild animal, call the local health department or animal control immediately.

4. Follow Up

• The health care provider will make sure the wound is thoroughly clean and may prescribe antibiotics.
• The health care provider may numb the wound and look for any deeper damage.
• If there is any risk of rabies infection, the health care provider will recommend anti-rabies treatment.
• The person may require stitches, depending on how big the wound is and where it is located.
• The person may also require a tetanus shot or booster.
• The health care provider may recommend ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain.

SOURCES:

University of Maryland Medical Center: "First Aid: Animal Bites and Rabies."

KidsHealth.org: "Animal Bites."

FamilyDoctor.org: "Cat and Dog Bites."

Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine: "What You Should Know About Animal Bites."

American Society for Surgery of the Hand: "Animal Bites."