Animal Bite
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 4, 2025.
Animal bite injuries range from shallow cuts to deep, life-threatening wounds. An animal can cut or puncture the skin when it bites. Your skin may be torn away. Your skin may swell or bruise even if the bite does not break the skin. Animal bites occur more often on the hands, arms, legs, and face. Bites from dogs and cats are the most common injuries.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Return to the emergency department if:
- You have a fever.
- Your wound is red, swollen, and draining pus.
- You see red streaks on the skin around the wound.
- You can no longer move the bitten area.
- Your heartbeat and breathing are much faster than usual.
- You feel dizzy and confused.
Call your doctor if:
- Your pain does not get better, even after you take pain medicine.
- You have nightmares or flashbacks about the animal bite.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Medicines:
You may need any of the following:
- Antibiotics prevent or treat a bacterial infection.
- Prescription pain medicine may be given. Ask your healthcare provider how to take this medicine safely. Some prescription pain medicines contain acetaminophen. Do not take other medicines that contain acetaminophen without talking to your healthcare provider. Too much acetaminophen may cause liver damage. Prescription pain medicine may cause constipation. Ask your healthcare provider how to prevent or treat constipation.
- A tetanus vaccine may be needed to prevent tetanus. Tetanus is a life-threatening bacterial infection that affects the nerves and muscles. The bacteria can be spread through animal bites.
- A rabies vaccine may be needed to prevent rabies. Rabies is a life-threatening viral infection. The virus can be spread through animal bites.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Self-care:
- Apply antibiotic ointment as directed. This helps prevent infection in minor skin wounds. It is available without a doctor's order.
- Keep the wound clean and covered. Wash the wound every day with soap and water or germ-killing cleanser. Ask your healthcare provider about the kinds of bandages to use.
- Apply ice on your wound. Ice helps decrease swelling and pain. Ice may also help prevent tissue damage. Use an ice pack, or put crushed ice in a plastic bag. Cover it with a towel and place it on your wound for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or as directed.
- Elevate the wound area. Raise your wound above the level of your heart as often as you can. This will help decrease swelling and pain. Prop your wound on pillows or blankets to keep it elevated comfortably.
Prevent another animal bite:
- Learn to recognize the signs of a scared or angry animal. Avoid quick, sudden movements.
- Do not step between animals that are fighting.
- Do not leave an animal alone with a young child, even if it is a pet.
- Do not disturb an animal while it eats, sleeps, or cares for its young.
- Do not approach an animal you do not know, especially one that is tied up or caged.
- Stay away from animals that seem sick or act strangely.
- Do not feed or capture wild animals.
Follow up with your doctor in 1 to 2 days, or as directed:
You may need to return to have your stitches removed. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
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