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Animal bites    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Bites - animals

First Aid

1. Calm and reassure the victim. Put on latex gloves or wash hands thoroughly before attending the wound. Wash hands afterwards as well.

2. If the bite is not bleeding severely, wash the wound thoroughly with mild soap and running water for 3 to 5 minutes. Then, cover the bite with antibiotic ointment and a clean dressing.

3. If the bite is actively bleeding, apply direct pressure with a clean, dry cloth until the bleeding subsides. Elevating the affected area is also recommended.

4. Over the next 24 to 48 hours, observe the bite for signs of infection (increasing skin redness, swelling, and pain).

5. If the bite becomes infected, call the doctor or take the victim to an emergency facility. Certain diseases can also be transmitted through bites. Symptoms of these may include: flu-like symptoms, headache, and fever.

Do Not:

If an animal's behavior is strange, such as a raccoon being active during daylight hours, or if an animal is unusually aggressive, it may be rabid. Notify the proper authorities. The police can always direct you to the proper animal control authorities. Tell them what the animal looks like and where it is so they can capture it -- don't go near it or attempt contact.

Call Your Health Care Provider Immediately If:

• The victim has been seriously wounded.
• The victim was bitten by an unknown or wild animal.
• The victim has not had a tetanus shot within the past 5 years (if the victim has not had a tetanus shot in 5 years, a tetanus shot is recommended within 24 hours of any skin break). 
• After the bite (or after any medical care is received) there is swelling, redness, pus draining from the wound, or pain.
• The wound may need stitches.

Note: Report the bite to the local animal control authorities, even if medical care is not obtained.

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