Overview
Animal and human bites can cause serious injuries and infections if not properly treated. These wounds require careful evaluation and often need medical attention.
Types of Bites
Animal Bites
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Dog bites: Most common type (80-90% of cases)
-
Cat bites: Second most common, higher infection risk
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Wild animal bites: Risk of rabies transmission
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Other domestic animals: Including horses, rabbits, hamsters
Human Bites
- Direct bites
- Fight bites (injuries from punching teeth)
- Accidental bites
Immediate Care
-
Clean the wound
- Wash thoroughly with soap and water
- Irrigate for at least 5 minutes
- Remove any debris
-
Control bleeding
- Apply direct pressure
- Elevate if possible
When to Seek Medical Care
Immediate Medical Attention Required:
- Deep puncture wounds
- Wounds to hands, feet, face, or joints
- Signs of infection
- Animal bites from:
- Unknown animals
- Wild animals
- Unvaccinated pets
Complications
Infection Risks
- Bacterial infections
- Tetanus
- Rabies (animal bites)
- Blood-borne infections (human bites)
Warning Signs
- Redness extending from wound
- Swelling
- Warmth around bite
- Pus drainage
- Fever
Prevention
Safety Measures
- Avoid approaching unknown animals
- Supervise children around animals
- Keep pets vaccinated
- Learn animal body language
Treatment Options
Medical Interventions
- Wound cleaning and debridement
- Antibiotics if necessary
- Tetanus prophylaxis
- Rabies prevention when indicated
- Sutures (in select cases)
Follow-up Care
Wound Care
- Keep wound clean and dry
- Change dressings as directed
- Monitor for signs of infection
- Complete full course of antibiotics if prescribed
Documentation
- Report animal bites to local authorities
- Keep vaccination records
- Document circumstances of bite
Long-term Considerations
- Scarring
- Potential nerve damage
- Psychological impact