Animal Bites: Care Instructions

Overview

After an animal bite, the biggest concern is infection. The chance of infection depends on the type of animal that bit you, where on your body you were bitten, and your general health. Many animal bites are not closed with stitches, because this can increase the chance of infection.

Your bite may take as little as 7 days or as long as several months to heal, depending on how bad it is. Taking good care of your wound at home will help it heal and reduce your chance of infection.

A bite injury may need antibiotics, a vaccine, or other medicines to prevent a serious infection.

The doctor has checked you carefully, but problems can develop later. If you notice any problems or new symptoms, get medical treatment right away.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• If your doctor told you how to care for your wound or cut, follow your doctor's instructions. If you did not get instructions, follow this general advice:
  • Wash the area with clean water 2 times a day. Don't use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol. They can slow healing.
  • You may cover the area with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a nonstick bandage.
  • Avoid using an antibiotic ointment unless your doctor recommends it.
• After you shower, gently dry the wound with a clean towel.
• If your doctor has closed the wound, cover the bandage with a plastic bag before you take a shower.
• A small amount of skin redness and swelling around the wound edges and the stitches or staples is normal. Your wound may itch or feel irritated. Do not scratch or rub the wound.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • Store your prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.
  • Do not take two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
  • If your doctor prescribed antibiotics, take them as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• If your bite puts you at risk for rabies, you will get a series of shots over the next few weeks to prevent rabies. Your doctor will tell you when to get the shots. It is very important that you get the full cycle of shots. Follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
• You may need a tetanus shot.

When should you call for help?

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• Your pain is getting worse.
• Blood soaks through the bandage. Oozing small amounts of blood is normal.
• The skin near the bite turns cold or pale or it changes color.
• You lose feeling in the area near the bite, or it feels numb or tingly.
• You have trouble moving a limb near the bite.
• You have symptoms of infection, such as:
  • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness near the wound.
  • Red streaks leading from the wound.
  • Pus draining from the wound.
  • A fever.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you are not getting better as expected.