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First Aid & Emergencies

Call 911 NOW if you are having:

  • Chest Pain
  • Difficulty Breathing
  • Severe Bleeding
  • Sudden Weakness or Numbness
  • A Medical Emergency
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Animal Bites Treatment

Call 911 if: 

  • The person has been seriously wounded
  • Bleeding can't be stopped after 10 minutes of firm and steady pressure
  • Bleeding is severe
  • Blood spurts from the wound

1. Stop Bleeding

  • Apply direct pressure until bleeding stops.

2. Clean and Protect

For a wound or superficial scratch from an animal bite:

  • Gently clean with soap and warm water. Rinse for several minutes after cleaning.
  • Apply antibiotic cream to reduce risk of infection, and cover with a sterile bandage.

3. Get Help

  • Get medical help immediately for any animal bite that is more than a superficial scratch or if the animal was a wild animal or stray, regardless of the severity of the injury.
  • If the animal's owner is available, find out if the animal's rabies shots are up-to-date. Give this information to your health care provider.
  • If the animal was a stray or wild animal, call the local health department or animal control immediately.

4. Follow Up

  • The health care provider will make sure the wound is thoroughly clean and may prescribe antibiotics.
  • If there is any risk of rabies infection, the health care provider will recommend anti-rabies treatment.
  • The person may require stitches, depending on the location and severity of the animal bite.
  • The person may also require a tetanus shot or booster.
  • The health care provider may recommend ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain.

WebMD Medical Reference

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Reviewed by Robert L. Norris, MD on November 01, 2011
© 2011 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

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