Protection and First Aid Scratches and Strikes

Even small scratches and bites from animals can occasionally result in complications. It doesn't matter if the animal is a domestic pet (the majority of animal bites in children are from dogs) or a wild animal, scratches and bites can spread illness.

Bacteria from the animal's mouth can infect some wounds, particularly those from cats. Additionally, even if the scratch spot doesn't appear to be infected, cat scratch disease, a bacterial infection, can arise from a cat scratch (typically from a kitten). Some animals, including foxes, raccoons, and bats, can transmit the rabies virus.

After an animal bite, children who have not had their tetanus shots in a while will need a shot (post-exposure tetanus prophylaxis) to avoid tetanus infection.

Instructions for Animal Attacks

What to Do:

Apply pressure to the bite or scratch wound with a fresh bandage or towel until the blood ceases. Use sterile latex or rubber gloves, if available, to safeguard yourself and stop the infection from spreading to the wound.

If the bleeding is not severe, clean the incision with soap and water and place it under running water for a while.

Dry the laceration, apply an antibiotic cream, and then wrap it in sterile gauze or a fresh piece of clothing.

Even if the region is small, if the bite or scratch tore or punctured the skin, call your doctor. When a kid is bitten by an animal, it's possible that they'll need antibiotics, a tetanus booster, or, in rare cases, a set of rabies shots. Your doctor should be consulted as soon as possible if you suspect an infection following a bite or scratch on your child's cheek, hand, or foot.

If a strange or wild animal bit or scratched your child, make a notation of its location. It might be necessary to catch, seize, and monitor some animals to check for rabies. But avoid attempting to seize the beast on your own. Call the local animal warden or animal control agency instead.

If the wound is on the face, neck, hand, foot, or close to a joint, seek urgent medical attention. If the wound still bleeds after 10 minutes of direct pressure.

The wound looks severe, big, or deep.

The animal that attacked was stray, wild, or acting oddly.

If a bite or scratch gets worse, it gets redder, hotter, swollen, or has pus emerging from it.

Your kid may be more susceptible to infection because of a compromised immune system or another illness.

Your child is not up to current on their tetanus shots.

Teach your kids not to tease or provoke any animals, including household pets, and to remain away from strange animals. Avoid disturbing animals while they are eating or resting.

Make sure your pet is appropriately licensed and immunized if you own one.