A bite that shows only minor scratching and irritation to the skin is likely not serious. It should be cleaned with soap and warm water and monitored as it heals, but likely will not need medical attention. A severe bite that may need additional attention will include either rapid heavy bruising of unbroken skin, heavy or uncontrollable bleeding of broken skin, multiple punctures to the skin, or an object such as a tooth stuck in the skin.
If the pet was not yours, ask the owner what type of animal the pet was, down to the species or breed. If you don’t know if a certain type of exotic pet is venomous, quickly search online or call a local vet’s office to see if they have any more information.
Regardless of how much blood is being lost, try to stop excess blood flow by elevating the injury and applying pressure to the wound when possible. Use medical gauze or a towel to keep the blood from getting on others. If you notice blood loss, it is important to act quickly to slow the loss and seek medical attention. After you get the bleeding under control, you need to see a doctor right away. If you can’t stop the bleeding within 10 minutes, then call 911. [5] X Research source A loss of as little as 15 percent of a person’s blood can have negative side effects. [6] X Research source
You may also test levels of pain by applying very gentle pressure to the affected area. If the bite victim has an extreme reaction to a normal touch, that may indicate trauma under the skin.
Additional injuries may be especially common when a larger animal such as a large-breed dog bites a child or an already injured individual. Signs of additional trauma may include pain or swelling at a point of impact, broken skin and/or bleeding, or heavy bruising on an impacted area.
the bite is from a severe attack. there is heavy bleeding. there is an injury to the face, eyes or scalp. the bite is from a stray pet or household pet that has not or may not have received rabies protection. [9] X Research source
If the owner refuses to provide you with this information, call your local animal control office and ask for assistance in acquiring the necessary information. If the biting pet was your pet, check their vet records to see if they are up to date on all of their vaccinations. If the pet does not have a current rabies vaccine, wash the wound with warm water and seek immediate medical attention from an emergency or urgent care facility. While most cases of rabies are caused by bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes in the US, you should still check the pet’s vaccinations for any severe bite.
If you think the bite is likely to become infected because of the particular animal or the conditions under which the bite happened, contact your doctor immediately and let them know, “I worry that this pet bite might become infected. Do you recommend any immediate medical attention?” Wash a bite with mild soap and warm water, apply antibiotic ointment, and dress it with a clean bandage immediately after receiving the bite to help reduce chances of infection. [12] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Those who have been immunized should check with their general practitioner to ask about their most recent tetanus booster and see if their doctor recommends any additional preventative care at that time. Symptoms of tetanus, if left untreated, may appear in as little as four days and include jaw cramping, involuntary muscle stiffening, trouble swallowing, seizure, fevers, and an accelerated heart rate. [14] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
Report any soreness, tenderness, or residual pain to the doctor. This could be an indicator that something was damaged under the skin. Let your doctor know what kind of animal bit you and how long ago the bite happened. Include any information you may have on the animal’s vaccination status. Ask your doctor, “What type of care or treatment do you recommend for this injury?” Follow any wound care routines and take any prescribed medications as instructed.
Being bitten by a cat. Getting a bite from a dog to the hand or foot. Getting a bite that is deep, large, and/or that caused a laceration large enough to require stitches. Having a broken bone or internal injury. When a child has been bitten on the head. When there are signs of infection including redness, pus, swelling, and worsening pain. When the bite was sustained by a person with diabetes, cancer, liver, lung disease, AIDs or another condition causing a weakened immune system. [16] X Research source
If you have a pet that is not easily trained, such as a snake, frog, or small mammal, make sure the pet is kept in proper housing with an effective locking mechanism. If you have a pet that requires certain equipment such as gloves to handle them, make sure to always use the equipment properly every time you handle your pet.
Signs a dog is about to bite may include snarling, barking, growling, ears back, aggressive tail-wagging, repeated stress yawning, and more. [17] X Research source Signs a cat is about to bite or scratch include increased stiffness in the body and a twitching of the tail. Cats are especially prone to bite during tummy rubs, as well. [18] X Research source
When you want to approach a new pet for the first time, ask the owner, “Is it alright if I touch your pet? Does your pet have any temperament issues that I should be aware of while interacting with them?” Allow the pet owner to instruct you or demonstrate for you how to interact with their pet for the first time.
