First Aid and Emergencies
Animal
and Human Bites
When bitten by an animal, most people
want to know if they need a rabies shot. The main wild animal carriers of rabies
are bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes. Pet dogs, cats, and ferrets that have
been vaccinated rarely have rabies. However, many stray animals have not been
vaccinated. Rabies is quite rare, but it is fatal if not treated. The treatment
is no more painful than a typical injection. Report all wild animal bites to
your doctor and the local health unit or public health office.
Bites that break the skin can cause
bacterial infections. Cat and human bites are particularly prone to infection.
You can get tetanus from a bite if your tetanus shots are not up to date.
Vaccinate all pets against rabies. Do not keep wild animals
as pets.
Do not disturb animals--not even your pets--while they
are eating.
Teach children not to approach or play with stray animals.
Do not touch wild animals or provoke them to attack.
Do not handle sick or injured animals.
Scrub the bite immediately with soap and water. Treat
it as a puncture wound. See Puncture
Wounds.
If you are bitten by a pet dog, cat, or ferret, find
out whether the animal has been vaccinated for rabies.
A healthy pet that has bitten someone should be confined
and observed for 10 days by a veterinarian to see if the pet develops
symptoms of rabies. If the pet's owner cannot be located, contact your
doctor and the local health unit or public health office.
If you are bitten by a wild animal, contact your doctor
and the local health unit or public health office. The local health
unit or public health office can tell you whether that animal is a rabies
carrier in your area, and whether treatment is needed.
If the bite is from a wild animal.
If the bite is from a human or a cat.
If the bite is from a dog, cat, or ferret that is acting
strangely and/or foaming at the mouth, or if the animal attacked for
no apparent reason.
If the bite is from a pet whose owner cannot be found
or cannot confirm that the animal has been vaccinated for rabies.
If the bite is severe and may need stitches or if it
is on your face, hand, or foot. If stitches are needed, they usually
should be done within 8 hours.
If signs of infection develop:
Increased pain, swelling, redness, or tenderness.
Heat or red streaks extending from the bite.
Fever of 37.8°C (100°F) or higher with no other
cause.
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