Animal Bites

Any bite that breaks the skin should be evaluated by a medical provider. Even minor-appearing bites can lead to serious infections, especially cat bites and bites on the hands, face, or feet. Prompt medical care significantly reduces infection risk and ensures proper rabies assessment.

Rabies risk depends on the animal type and circumstances. Wild animals like bats, raccoons, and foxes carry higher risk. Domestic dogs and cats with current rabies vaccination pose minimal risk. Our providers assess your specific situation and coordinate with local health departments for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis if needed.

Cat teeth create deep puncture wounds that seal quickly, trapping bacteria deep in tissue where infections develop easily. According to medical studies, cat bites have infection rates of 30-50% compared to 5-15% for dog bites. This is why we often prescribe preventive antibiotics for cat bites.

Most animal bite wounds are left open to heal naturally, as closing them increases infection risk. However, facial bites or large wounds may be closed after thorough cleaning. Our providers make this decision based on the wound location, depth, time since injury, and infection risk.

If your last tetanus vaccination was more than 5 years ago (for dirty wounds) or 10 years ago (for clean wounds), you'll need a booster. We can provide this during your visit to ensure you're protected against tetanus infection.

Bring your photo ID, insurance card, and vaccination records if available. If possible, note details about the animal (type, appearance, behavior, owner information if known). This information helps us assess rabies risk and coordinate with animal control if necessary.

Visit urgent care for most animal bites. Go to the emergency room if you have severe bleeding that won't stop, bites involving large areas of tissue loss, bites to the neck or major blood vessels, signs of severe infection with fever, or if you're experiencing difficulty breathing or swallowing.

Keep the wound clean and dry, wash gently with soap and water daily, apply prescribed antibiotic ointment, and change dressings as directed. Watch for signs of infection including increased redness, swelling, warmth, pus, red streaks, or fever. Take all prescribed antibiotics as directed, even if the wound looks better.