What are the treatment options for animal bite?

A bite can damage skin, muscle, tendons or nerves and can introduce bacteria. Risk depends on the wound depth, location, animal, circumstances and your health. A clinician may irrigate the wound, remove damaged tissue, assess movement and sensation, and decide whether antibiotics, closure or specialist care is appropriate. The animal's vaccination status and availability for observation can affect rabies decisions.

Wash the wound thoroughly with running water and soap, remove rings or other items near swelling, and cover it with a clean dressing. Do not scrub deeply, seal a puncture with household glue, or apply irritating substances. Arrange prompt medical assessment for any broken skin, especially a bite to the hand, face, foot or near a joint. A clinician can provide wound care and dressing, review tetanus protection and consider rabies post-exposure prophylaxis.

Seek urgent care for uncontrolled bleeding, deep or gaping wounds, loss of movement or sensation, severe pain, bites near the eye, or signs of shock. Return promptly for spreading redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever, red streaks or worsening pain. Contact health services urgently after a bite from an unfamiliar, stray or unusually behaving animal, or when the animal cannot be observed safely.

Ask whether the wound needs antibiotics or closure, when to change the dressing, whether you need tetanus vaccination, and whether rabies prevention is recommended for the exposure.