Pet Bites - What You Can Do About Pet Bites

Pet bites can be serious if you have been bitten by an animal infected with the rabies virus. Rabies is a serious disease that can ultimately affect your brain and can be deadly if prompt treatment is not administered.

Each year, about 55,000 people die of rabies worldwide, usually from Asia, Africa and Latin America, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC reports that half of those who die from rabies are under the age of 15.

Most animal bites are rarely life-threatening, according to the National Library of Medicine (NLM). While rabies may be a major concern for some, most pets in the United States are vaccinated, and most reported rabies cases result from wild animal bites like raccoons and bats, the CDC says. However, serious medical complications may result from the wound becoming infected. Getting medical help for the bite wound should be your priority.

Tips on What You Can Do About Pet Bites

For Minor Pet Bites

Never put the bitten area in your mouth. If your hand is bitten by your pet resulting in a wound, avoid putting it in your mouth because of the danger of it becoming infected. The mouth has bacteria that can cause infection in your wound.

Wash wound thoroughly. Wash your wound with soap and running water thoroughly for at least five minutes. Apply pressure to your wound using clean towel to minimize bleeding.

Prevent infection. Once bleeding has stopped, apply an antibiotic cream to the wound and cover with sterile bandage to prevent infection.

Elevate. If possible, try to elevate the injured area above the level of your heart. This can help minimize swelling.

Consult your doctor. Don't hesitate to have a consultation with your primary healthcare provider if you are unsure of the severity of your pet bite.

For Severe Cases of Pet Bites

If your pet bite wound is deep and bleeding badly, use a clean towel to apply pressure on your wound to help control the bleeding. See your doctor right away.

Your health care provider may recommend that you get a tetanus shot if you have had your last shot more than five years ago. Also, your doctor may recommend an anti-rabies shot if he or she suspects rabies virus infection.

Experts recommend that you check with your local health department, animal control or your health care provider if any animal bites you.

References:

Rabies. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/rabies/. Accessed on December 4, 2010.

Rabies. Medline Plus, National Library of Medicine. Available at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/rabies.html. Accessed on December 4, 2010.