Animal bites
Alternative names:
bites - animals
First aid:
- Calm and reassure the victim. Put on latex gloves or
wash hands thoroughly before attending the wound.
Wash hands afterwards as well.
- If the bite is not bleeding
severely, wash the wound with mild soap and running water
for 3 to 5 minutes and then cover the bite with a clean
dressing.
- 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.
- Over the next 24 to 48 hours, observe the bite for signs
of infection (increasing skin
redness, swelling,
and pain).
- 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:
- DO NOT go near an animal that may be rabid. Notify the
proper authorities. Tell them what the animal looks like
and where it is so they can capture it.
Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:
- The victim has been seriously wounded.
- Bitten by a strange animal; contact authorities so they
can find out whether or not the animal is rabid.
Seek non-emergency medical treatment if:
- The victim has not had a tetanus
shot within the past 5 years; seek medical care.
- After the bite 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.
Updated Date: 02/09/00
Updated By:J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director,
Utah Health Informatics and adam.com
editorial
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