ANIMAL OR HUMAN BITE

Symptoms | When to call | Homecare Advice

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR ANIMAL OR HUMAN BITES

Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance) If:

Major bleeding that can't be stopped. First Aid Advice: apply direct pressure to the entire wound with a clean cloth.
Not moving or too weak to stand

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If

Your child looks or acts very sick.
Bleeding won't stop with 10 minutes of direct pressure (continue pressure until seen).
First Aid Advice: wash all the following wounds with warm water and soap before bringing your child in:
Any contact with an animal at risk for RABIES.
Any cut or injury caused by pet animal (e.g. dog or cat). EXCEPTION: superficial scratches that don't go through the skin or tiny puncture wound.
Any cut or injury from a wild animal.
Any cut or injury from a pet animal (e.g., dog or cat) (EXCEPTION: superficial scratches that don't go through the skin or tiny puncture wound).
Puncture wound (holes through skin) from cat (teeth or claws).
Bite looks infected (redness or red streaks).

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If

You think your child needs to be seen.
Last tetanus shot more than 5 years ago.
Bat contact or exposure without a bite mark.

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If

You have other questions or concerns.

Parent Care at Home If

PET ANIMAL BITE: tiny puncture wound or superficial scratches (EXCEPTION: cat puncture wound).
HUMAN BITE that didn't break the skin (burise).

Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 8/2004

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