Health Topics for Prepare for Emergencies

Department of Emergency Medicine

Emergency Medical Services Learning Resources Center

Bites: animal and human

BITES: ANIMAL AND HUMAN All animal and human bites that break the skin are serious. Even minor scrapes or abrasions, such as in sports when the mouth may scrape a hand by mistake, should be taken seriously. Bites can easily become seriously infected so it is important to seek medical care. This is especially true of human bites and animal bites causing a deep puncture wound.

Domestic pets cause most animal bites. Dogs are more likely to bite, but cat bites are more likely to cause an infection. Any unprovoked bite from a wild or domestic animal requires evaluation for rabies.

Follow these first aid measures for all bites that break the skin:

• Control bleeding by applying pressure to the wound. Do not apply a tourniquet.
• If the bite appears serious, call 911 for emergency help.
• Wash the area with mild soap and water.
• Apply an antibiotic ointment to the area if you do not have a known allergy to it.
• Place a clean bandage over the wound.
• Seek professional medical care.
• If the animal is a pet and is confined, get the name and address of the owner.
• Contact the police or local animal control office and report the bite.

Treatment for animal and human bites usually includes:

• wound care
• antibiotics
• a tetanus booster (if you have not received one within the past 5 to 10 years) and
• an evaluation for possible rabies immunization

Keep children, babies and small animals away from unpredictable animals. Teach your children never to approach strange pets or any wild animals.

Last Reviewed 2005

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File PREP4901.RF2 VRS# 4901 Data Version 7.0 Copyright 1999, 2002-2003 McKesson Health Solutions LLC. All rights reserved.