Animal Bites

• Domestic pets cause more bites

• Dogs more likely to bite, cats more infectious

• Risk of rabies with non-immunized pets / stray / wild animals

• Raccoons, skunks, foxes, bats too carry rabies

Symptoms

• Skin break 

• Bruise / puncture

• Cuts

• Bleeding

• Swelling and redness of the area

• Oozing of fluid

Treatment

• Calm the affected person

• Wash hands before attending to wound

• Wash wound with soap & running water

• Apply antibiotic ointment 

• Dress using sterile bandage

• After first aid, medical treatment must be sought quickly

• Suturing may be required

• Tetanus booster / antibiotics required

• Treatment depends on type / location of wound

Prevention

• Avoid keeping wild animals as pets 

• Choose a pet that is friendly to children

• Train the pet to obey commands

• Vaccinate your pet

• When children are around, pets supervision is required

• Avoid leaving infants alone with pets