Animal and Human Bites

Animal and human bites can lead to infections. Human bites are more likely to become infected than animal bites, due to the amount of bacteria in the human mouth. Human bites to the hand are at the highest risk for infection. Human bites can also pass on certain diseases such as hepatitis.

Animal bites are also a concern due to the problems with bleeding, crush injuries and scarring. Animal bites that break the skin can often cause infection. Cat bites are more likely to become infected than dog bites. Outdoor pets that have not had their shots or wild animals, such as bats and raccoons are of concern because they may pass on rabies.

Care at home

• Keep the wound clean, wash the wound with soap and fast running water
• Change the bandage when wet or dirty or at least once a day
• Take any medications prescribed to you
• Sutures (stitches) may or may not be required. Sometimes the doctor will choose to leave a wound open to watch for infection.
• Tetanus immunization will be given if necessary
• Anti-rabies treatment might be given, for animal bites that are considered a risk for rabies
• Over the counter pain medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) can be taken for pain or discomfort

See a doctor if:

• You develop swelling
• Redness
• Pain that does not go away or gets worse
• Yellow or green drainage from the bite
• Fever
• A bad odour from the wound
• You develop numbness near the wound

Reference:
Providence Health care, Animal and Human bites, 2000
Mosby, Animal bite, 2000
About Kids Health, Animal or Human bites, 2004

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