Animal Bites in Children: Care Instructions

Overview

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

The 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 child's wound at home will help it heal and reduce the chance of infection.

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

The doctor has checked your child 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 child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

• If the doctor told you how to care for your child’s wound or cut, follow the 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 the doctor recommends it.
• After your child takes a bath or shower, gently dry the wound with a clean towel.
• If your doctor has closed the wound, cover the bandage with a plastic bag before your child takes a bath or shower.
• A small amount of skin redness and swelling around the wound edges and the stitches or staples is normal. Your child's wound may itch or feel irritated. Do not let your child scratch or rub the wound.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If your child is not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if your child can take an over-the-counter medicine.
  • If the doctor gave your child a prescription medicine for pain, give it as prescribed.
  • Store your child’s prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely.
  • Do not give aspirin to children and teens. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a rare but serious illness.
  • Do not give your child 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 the doctor prescribed antibiotics for your child, give them as directed. Do not stop using them just because your child feels better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.
• If the bite puts your child at risk for rabies, your child will get a series of shots over the next few weeks to prevent rabies. Your doctor will tell you when your child needs to get the shots. It is very important that your child gets the full cycle of shots. Follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
• Your child may need a tetanus shot.

When should you call for help?

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• Your child's 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.
• Your child loses feeling in the area near the bite, or it feels numb or tingly.
• Your child has trouble moving a limb near the bite.
• Your child has 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 child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if your child is not getting better as expected.