By definition, an animal bite is any wound caused by an animal’s teeth. Getting bitten by an animal can happen to anyone.
Maybe you are camping or hiking, and a wild animal bites you to protect itself. In a different scenario, you are playing around with the neighbor’s dog, and it bites you during a friendly game of catch, or becomes bothered by something you did. Getting bitten by an animal can be quite a traumatic experience, especially for a small child.
Animal bites are common, and about half of all people in the United States are bitten by some type of animal at least once in their life. The most common bites come from family pets. Animal bites on the hand and wrist are of particular concern because there is a higher risk of infection.
Bites can occur when animals such as raccoons, ferrets, squirrels, or rats are provoked, like taking food away from them or taunting them. In most cases, however, animal bites are unprovoked. If an animal attacks for seemingly no reason at all, it may be sick.
Symptoms of an Animal Bite
Bites that break the skin may cause a variety of bacterial or viral deep-tissue infections, including rabies, which is rare but dangerous. Infections are caused by tiny organisms that end up on your skin from the mouth of the animal that bites. The following symptoms may indicate infection or the presence of debris in your wound:
- Redness around the wound
- Warmth around the area
- Fever
- Pus
- Swelling
- Pain
Medical Care Is Critical
It’s important to care for a bite wound or injury quickly. Although you may be able to treat the bite at home, you should call your doctor first for assurance and advice. Deeper bites and lacerations of the skin often require medical care. If you’ve been bitten, you should immediately visit your doctor for several reasons. You may have:
· Possible nerve and blood vessel damage
- An infection, including bacterial or rabies
- Broken animal teeth and other foreign objects embedded in your wound
Most bite wounds can be treated with over-the-counter pain medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen for short-term pain relief. If your bite is severe however, your doctor may prescribe a stronger pain medication, or antibiotics for infection.
Tips to avoid animal bites:
- Ask permission from a pet’s owner before petting the animal. Allow the animal to sniff your closed hand before petting it.
- Avoid contact with unknown animals, including those that appear sick or injured.
- Never feed or attempt to catch wild animals, such as squirrels, raccoons, or rats.
- Avoid disturbing animals while they are eating, sleeping, or nursing.
- Never engage in aggressive playing with animals. A family dog can accidentally bite you during a friendly game of tug-of-war.
- Never stick your fingers into animal cages.
- Never try to separate fighting animals.
If an animal has bitten you, call Intercoastal Medical Group immediately at (941) 955-6748 and consult with your doctor to avoid possible infection.
