Whether they are wild animals or your pet, animals can bite you, and it is crucial that you know what to do when they do. Understanding when to perform first aid at home and when to seek medical attention for Spring animal bites is also very important. Obviously, you should never try to treat a snake bite at home, but you may not need to go to the ER if your dog lightly scratches you. Let’s look at what you need to know about responding to an animal bite.
Home Care
In most cases, animal bites are mild and can be treated at home. If your bite just breaks the skin, but there is little to no bleeding or signs of infection, you can:
· Wash the wound with soap and a lot of running water. You can also use an antiseptic.
· Use a bandage or clean cloth to apply pressure to the wound to stop any bleeding.
· Cover the wound with a sterile dressing
If you got bit by a wild or stray animal, notice what type it is but make no attempt to catch it. Contact animal control if you believe the animal is still a danger to you and others.
Medical Care
You may not always be able to treat an animal bite at home. Call your doctor or go to the hospital if your wound is severe and requires stitches, you notice signs of infection, or you believe the animal that bit you might have rabies. Rabies can be fatal to humans, and your doctor may give you a rabies shot.
Prompt Medical Care
Sometimes, an animal bite is a medical emergency, and you must get immediate help. Symptoms you should head to the ER promptly for an animal bite include:
- Increasing oozing, pain, redness, or swelling
- Badly crushed or torn skin that is bleeding profusely. You should use a clean cloth or bandage to apply pressure to the wound and staunch the bleeding before heading to the ER.
- A deep puncture wound
- A wound whose severity you are unsure of
You should also seek medical help if you have not had a tetanus shot in the last 10 years.
Information to Bring to the Hospital
Always prepare the following details when heading to the hospital for an animal bite:
- A list of medications to which you are allergic.
- Your immunization record
- The type of animal that bit you
- Whether it was wild, stray, or a pet
- If known, the date the animal got its last rabies shot.
How Are Animal Bites Treated?
When you walk into the ER with an animal bite, your doctor will examine the wound and review your medical history. They will then clean it and numb it if you are in pain. If the wound is open, they will close it using medical tape, stitches, or staples. They may also prescribe medications, including antibiotics, to prevent infection. Finally, they will give you instructions on caring for the wound.
An animal bite can put a damper on your day, but you can usually take care of it at home if it is minor. If it is deep and bleeding, however, you should visit Houston Medical ER for treatment. The board-eligible and board-certified physicians at the center offer several animal bite treatments to promote healing and eliminate the risk of infection. They have offices in Spring and Houston, Texas.
