How to Treat animal bites

Animal bites happen far more often that you might realize. Generally they occur between humans and pets, although not necessarily the pet of the individual who has been bitten. Wild animal bites are a bit more uncommon but they also happen from time to time. Be prepared by learning how to treat animal bites.

Things You'll Need

• Thermometer
• Magnifying glass
• Hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol
• Antibiotic cream or ointment
• Paper
• Pen or Pencil
• Computer with access to the Internet
• Knowledge of patient's immunization record

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Instructions

• 1

  Determine the exact type of animal bite that needs to be treated. The largest amount of animal bites received by humans are either dog or cat bites, with dog bites being much more prevalent overall. However, pets like guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits, ferrets and others are also sometimes the culprits. Occasionally, wild animals like raccoons or even snakes may be involved. Hopefully you will know the "type" of bite incurred. Certainly that should be the case if you are the one bitten. However, children--who are the largest number of victims in this arena--may not be able to clearly identify the animal in question. That means that you may have to do a little research to find out the answer and, if necessary, identify and capture the specific animal in question.

• 2

  Identify the bite area. While the most common area is on the hand, bites can also occur on the foot, leg or elsewhere. When talking with a physician about the bite, it is important to be able to identify the specific area.

• 3

  Identify the type of bacteria or infections that is typically carried by the animal that caused the bite, using the Internet. For example, cats and dogs often carry staph infections or streptococcus which can be very dangerous to humans. Additionally, there is always a fear of rabies, particularly with pets left to fend for themselves as well as with wild animals. Knowing what to look for in bite situations can save valuable time in receiving early and proper treatment.

• 4

  Examine the bite closely. If at all possible, use a magnifying glass so that you can see it thoroughly. Try to determine if anything foreign is embedded within in. Also try to determine how deep the bite is. Deep bites can cause nerve or tendon damage as can even more shallow bites located in certain areas of the body.

• 5

  Cleanse and disinfect the bite area. Rinse it out with water and hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol and then apply an antibiotic cream or ointment. Cover with a clean gauze pad or cloth.

• 6

  Observe the patient, if it is not you, or have someone else observe, if it is you. Look for things like skin inflammation, swelling, unusual rash or other discoloration around the bite. Also note any specific symptoms. These may be either short-term or long-term in nature. Typical symptoms to watch for include itchiness, a burning, stinging or tingly feeling at the bite area; undue pain, dizziness or fainting, blurred vision or fever; nausea, diarrhea or vomiting; and unexplained seizure, increased thirst or irregular heartbeat. Also note excessive bleeding or puss oozing from the wound.

• 7

  Contact a physician with the information you have gathered about the patient (if if isn't you), the animal that did the biting, and the symptoms of the bite itself. If the bite is from an animal that cannot be identified or located, from a stray animal acting unusually, or an unknown snake, go directly to the nearest clinic or hospital. Poisonous venom may be involved whenever snakes are involved and time may be of the essence. Also go directly to the hospital if the bite in question will not stop bleeding, appears to be infected, or if severe symptoms of any kind are exhibited by the victim. Be sure that you have all of the information that you have gathered about the situation with you when you make contact with a physician.

• 8

  Follow the physician's instructions regarding the bite. This may include taking prescribed medication. Do not miss any treatments or medication as prescribed.

• 9

  If the symptoms do not recede or the bite does not heal, or if it gets worse, contact the physician again and continue to do so until the bite is healed.

• 10

  Report the bite situation to the proper local authorities and take all actions outlined by them.