Animal and Human Bites

Topic Overview

Animal and human bites may cause puncture wounds, cuts, scrapes, or crushing injuries. Most animal and human bites cause minor injuries, and home treatment is usually all that is needed to care for the wound.

Animal bites

Most animal bites occur in school-age children. The face, hands, arms, and legs are the most common sites for animal bites. Since most bites occur in children, it is important to teach children to be careful around animals and that an animal could to hurt them. Young children should always be supervised around animals.

Dog bites occur more than any other animal bite and are most frequent in the summer months. The dog is usually known to the person, and most injuries result from the dog being teased or bothered while eating or sleeping. Boys are bitten about twice as often as girls. The arms, head, and neck are the most likely areas to be bitten in children.

Cat bites usually cause deeper puncture wounds than dog bites and have a high risk for bacterial infection because they can be difficult to clean adequately.

Exotic pet bites, such as from rats, mice, or gerbils, may carry illnesses, but rabies is not usually a concern. The bites from some pets, such as iguanas, are at risk for infection but do not carry other serious risks.

Livestock, such as horses, cows, and sheep, have powerful jaws and can cause crushing bite injuries. Infection, tetanus, and rabies are possible risks.

Wild animal bites may occur while hunting, camping, or hiking. Infection, tetanus, and rabies are possible risks.

Human bites

Adult bites that cause a wound to the hand can be serious. A clenched fist striking another person in the mouth and teeth can cut or puncture the skin over the knuckles. This is commonly called a "fight bite." Underlying tissues may be damaged, and an infection can develop.

Bites from children are:

• Usually not very deep.
• Not as forceful as adult bites.
• Not too likely to become infected.
• Not damaging to underlying tissue.

When you have a bite:

• Stop the bleeding. See how to stop bleeding.
• Determine whether other tissues, such as blood vessels, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, bones, or internal organs, have been injured.
• Determine whether evaluation and treatment by a doctor are needed.
• Clean the wound to prevent bacterial infections, tetanus ("lockjaw"), and viral infections, such as herpes simplex virus, and cytomegalovirus (CMV).
• Determine the risk for rabies and the need for treatment to prevent the disease.
• Determine whether you need a tetanus shot.

Review the Emergencies and Check Your Symptoms sections to determine if and when you need to see a doctor.

Emergencies

Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• Signs of shock occur:
  • In children.
  • In adults and older children.
• Severe bleeding from a bite does not slow during the first 15 minutes of applying steady, direct pressure.
• Moderate to severe difficulty breathing occurs with a deep bite to the neck or chest:
  • In children.
  • In adults and older children.
• Moderate to severe pain occurs with a deep bite to the abdomen.
• A bite to the eyeball or near the eye occurs.
• A bite has amputated or partially amputated an extremity.

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Yes

Is your bite bleeding?

See significance of an inability to stop the bleeding if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Note:

For more information, see how to stop bleeding.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Do you have moderate bleeding that has slowed but not stopped after applying steady, direct pressure for 15 minutes?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Do you have mild bleeding that has slowed but not stopped after applying pressure 3 times for 15 minutes each (45 minutes total)?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Do you think a bite has damaged deep tissues?

See significance of a bite that has damaged deep tissues if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Does a child have a dog or large animal bite to the head or face?

Yes

Do you have diabetes?

Yes

Do you have a bite on a leg and peripheral arterial disease?

Yes

Do you have a disease or take medicine that causes problems with your immune system?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have a dog bite to your hand, foot, head, or face?

Yes

Do you have an animal bite to the head or face?

Yes

Do you have a bite over or near a joint?

Yes

Have you had a crushing bite injury from an animal with powerful jaws?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Do you have signs of decreased blood flow at or near the bite injury?

See significance of signs of decreased blood flow if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Note:

If bleeding is the main symptom, see how to stop bleeding.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Is the skin below the bite pale and cold (pallor) to the touch?

Yes

Do you have tingling, burning, numbness, or a "pins-and-needles" feeling (paresthesia) below the bite injury?

Yes

Do you have severe pain below a bite that is not part of the injury?

Yes

Do you have decreased blood flow below a bite based on the pinch test?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Do you have any loss of function at or near the bite injury?

See significance of loss of function if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Are you unable to move your limb normally (not because of pain) below the bite injury?

Yes

Do you have tingling, numbness, or loss of feeling below the bite injury, not just at the site of the bite?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Do you have swelling or bruising at or near a bite injury?

See significance of swelling or bruising if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have severe swelling or bruising at or near a bite injury?

Yes

Do you have increased swelling, redness, or warmth around a wound over a joint?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Did a lot of swelling and bruising develop within 30 minutes of the injury, and symptoms have not gone away?

Yes

Did swelling develop after a bite to a joint area?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Has swelling from a bite (not over a joint) become worse over the past 24 hours despite home treatment?

Yes

Have you had a moderate amount of swelling from a bite for 2 to 3 days, but it does not interfere with your ability to function normally?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Do you think a bite was caused by abuse or neglect?

See significance of suspected abuse if you need information to help you answer the question below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Did someone bite you on purpose?

Yes

Do you think a bite may have been caused by neglect?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Are you worried that you may not have been able to get a bite clean enough using home treatment?

See significance of bites that cannot be adequately cleaned if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Note:

For more information, see how to clean a wound

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Are you unable to clean a bite because it is too large or deep?

Yes

Are you unable to clean a bite because cleaning causes too much pain?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Do you have a bite that has a high risk for infection?

See significance of a bite that has a high risk for infection if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have a cat bite?

Yes

Do you have a human bite?

Yes

Do you have a bite to your hand (more than a scratch)?

Yes

Do you have diabetes?

Yes

Do you have a bite on a leg and peripheral arterial disease?

Yes

Do you have a disease or take medicine that causes problems with your immune system?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have an animal bite on your foot?

Yes

Do you have a bite over or near a joint?

Yes

Do you have a crushing bite injury from an animal with powerful jaws?

Yes

Do you have a bite from a wild animal, livestock animal, or exotic pet?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Do you think you have an infection at the site of a bite?

See significance of signs of an infection if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have increased swelling, redness, or warmth around a bite over a joint?

Yes

Do you have a bite over a joint and increased pain with movement of the joint?

Yes

Do you have red streaks extending from a bite over a joint?

Yes

Is a bite over a joint tender to the touch?

Yes

Do you have any drainage of pus from a bite over a joint?

Yes

Do you have a bite over a joint and think you have a fever?

Yes

Do you have diabetes?

Yes

Do you have peripheral arterial disease?

Yes

Do you have a disease or take medicine that causes problems with your immune system?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the bite?

Yes

Is the area around your bite increasingly tender to the touch?

Yes

Do you have red streaks extending from the bite?

Yes

Do you have pus in or around the bite?

Yes

Do you think you have a fever?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Have you had mild pain and swelling with redness less than 1 in. (2.5 cm) around a bite for 48 hours or longer?

Yes

Have you had swollen lymph nodes near a bite for 2 weeks or longer?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Do you have a bite that may need stitches, staples, or skin adhesives?

See significance of a bite needing stitches, staples, or skin adhesives if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Note:

Most wounds that require treatment should be stitched, stapled, or closed with skin adhesives within 6 to 8 hours after the injury. Some wounds that require treatment can be closed as long as 24 hours after the injury. For more information, see are stitches, staples, or skin adhesives necessary?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have a bite more than 0.25 in. (0.6 cm) deep and 0.75 in. (2.0 cm) long that gapes open?

Yes

Do you have a bite on the face, eyelids, lips, or another area that you are worried may scar?

Yes

Do you have a deep bite injury over a joint, and underlying tissues can be seen?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Have you been bitten in the past few weeks and you now have symptoms of illness?

See significance of symptoms of illness after a bite if you need information to help you answer the question below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Have you had a bite in the past few weeks and you now have two or more of the following symptoms of an infectious disease? Symptoms may include:

• A fever.
• Swollen glands.
• Muscle aches.
• Joint pain.
• A rash.
• Chills.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Extreme tiredness.

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Are you worried about getting rabies from your bite?

See significance of getting rabies from a bite if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Have you been bitten by an animal that is either acting strangely or foaming at the mouth?

Yes

Have you been bitten by an animal that attacked for no apparent reason?

Yes

Have you been bitten by an animal that cannot be observed for disease?

Yes

Did the bite occur while you were traveling in a foreign country or in the wilderness?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Yes

Do you know or think you need a tetanus shot?

See significance of getting a tetanus shot if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Note:

If you need a tetanus shot, call your doctor to arrange for the shot as soon as possible. Your need for a tetanus shot depends on the seriousness of your wound and your tetanus shot history. Your doctor may be able to tell you over the telephone if you need a tetanus shot.

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Are you worried that the bite area has gotten dirty or has germs on it and your last tetanus shot was longer than 5 years ago?

Note:

Something is dirty if it has dirt, soil, spit, or feces on it.

Yes

Are you not sure when you had your last tetanus shot?

Yes

Did you not get the first series of tetanus shots (primary vaccination series)?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

Home Treatment

Minor animal and human bites usually can be treated at home. If you do not have an increased chance of getting an infection, do not have other injuries, and do not need evaluation by a doctor or a tetanus shot, you can clean and bandage a bite at home. Home treatment can prevent infection and promote healing.

Treat bleeding

Allow the bite to bleed freely to clean itself out unless there has been a large loss of blood or the blood is squirting out. To stop heavy bleeding, try firm, direct pressure on the wound. For more information, see how to stop bleeding.

• Mild bleeding can almost always be stopped within 15 minutes by applying direct pressure to the wound.
• Moderate bleeding can usually be slowed or stopped by applying steady, direct pressure to the wound for 15 minutes.
• Severe bleeding cannot be slowed or stopped by applying steady, direct pressure to the wound for 15 minutes.

After the bleeding has been stopped, use the Check Your Symptoms section of this topic to determine if and when you need to see your doctor.

Clean the wound

Clean the animal or human bite as soon as possible to reduce the chance of infection and scarring.

• Wash the wound for 5 minutes with large amounts of cool water and soap (mild dishwashing soap, such as Ivory, works well). For more information, see how to clean a bite. Some nonprescription products are available for wound cleaning that numb the area so cleaning does not hurt as much. Be sure to read the product label for correct use.
• Do not use rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, iodine, or mercurochrome, which can harm the tissue and slow healing.

Some bites cause only bruising (contusions) at the bite site but do not break the skin. These bites usually do not become infected.

Stitches, staples, or skin adhesives (also called liquid skin)

Determine whether your bite needs to be treated by a doctor. Bites usually only need to be closed with sutures, staples, or skin adhesives so that they won't leave a large scar because closing the bite wound increases your chances of having an infection. Bites to the hand are not usually closed. Cat bites are rarely closed because they are usually no larger than a puncture. For more information, see Are stitches, staples, or skin adhesives necessary?

Your doctor will tell you how to take care of your stitches or staples and when to return to have them removed. Skin adhesives usually do not need to be removed, but your doctor may wish to see you to check on the wound. Be sure to carefully follow your doctor's instructions. If you are unsure of how to care for your wound or have questions, call your doctor for instructions.

Consider applying a bandage

Most bites heal well and may not need a bandage. You may need to protect the bite from dirt and irritation. It is important to clean the bite thoroughly before bandaging it to reduce the risk of infection occurring under the bandage.

• Select the bandage carefully. There are many products available. Do not use liquid skin bandages and moisture enhancing bandages unless your doctor tells you to. These types of dressings may seal in bacteria that could cause an infection.
• If you use a cloth-like bandage, apply a clean bandage when your bandage gets wet or soiled. If a bandage is stuck to a scab, soak it in warm water to soften the scab and make the bandage easier to remove. If available, use a nonstick dressing. There are many bandage products available. Be sure to read the product label for correct use.
• Watch for signs of infection. If an infection develops under a bandage, a visit to your doctor may be needed.
• An antibiotic ointment, such as polymyxin B sulfate (for example, Polysporin) or bacitracin, will keep the bandage from sticking to the wound. Apply the ointment lightly to the wound. Antibiotic ointments have not been shown to improve healing. Be sure to read the product label about skin sensitivity. If a skin rash or itching under the bandage develops, stop using the ointment. The rash may be caused by an allergic reaction to the ointment.
• Use an adhesive strip to hold the edges of a wound together. Always put an adhesive strip across a wound to hold the edges together, not lengthwise. You can make a butterfly bandage at home or purchase one to help hold the skin edges together.

Tetanus

• Determine whether you need a tetanus shot.
• You may have a localized reaction to a tetanus shot. Symptoms include warmth, swelling, and redness at the injection site. A fever of up to 100° (37.8°) may occur. Home treatment can help reduce the discomfort.
  • Apply an ice pack to the injection site for 20 minutes, 3 or 4 times a day for the first 24 to 48 hours. After 48 hours, heat may feel better.
  • Take a nonprescription medication for pain and fever.

Pain relief

An ice or cold pack may help reduce swelling and bruising. Never apply ice directly to a wound or the skin. This could cause tissue damage.

After the bite

Many states require that animal control authorities be notified of animal bites. Even if your state law does not require you to report animal bites, you may wish to call animal control to report the bite. They can help you determine whether the animal that bit you:

• Has been properly vaccinated.
• Needs to be observed for signs of illness. A healthy pet that has bitten someone should be confined and observed for 10 days to see whether it develops symptoms of rabies.
• Is a rabies carrier in your area and whether you need to be vaccinated to prevent rabies.
• Is a danger to others.

If you are unable to find a phone number for animal control in the front pages of the telephone book, contact the police or sheriff's office for the number.

Symptoms to Watch For During Home Treatment

Use the Check Your Symptoms section of this topic to evaluate your symptoms if any of the following occur during home treatment.

• Signs of infection develop.
• Signs of loss of function develop.
• Signs of decreased blood flow develop.
• Pain gets worse.
• Fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, joint pain, rash, chills, nausea, or vomiting occur within a few weeks of a bite.
• The wound does not heal.
• Symptoms become more severe or more frequent.

Prevention

The following tips may help prevent bite injuries.

Animals

• Do not disturb animals, even your family pets, while they are eating, sleeping, or nursing. Animal mothers can be very aggressive when protecting their young.
• Never leave a young child or baby alone with a pet.
• Do not approach or play with unfamiliar or stray pets.
• Teach children to ask permission from a pet's owner before petting the animal. Do not pet an animal without first letting it sniff you.
• Don't run past a dog, because dogs naturally love to chase and catch things.
• Many animals give a warning sign before they attack. If you have animals in your home, know their warning signs and teach them to your children.
• Do not try to separate fighting animals. If available, water sprayed from a hose will often break up the fight.
• If you see a threatening dog:
  • Stay still. Do not run.
  • Do not make direct eye contact with the dog or stare at the dog. Staring at a dog may be interpreted by the dog as a threat and aggression.
  • Don't scream. If you say anything, speak calmly and firmly.
  • If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your head and neck. Protect your face.
  • Notify animal control and, if possible, speak with the owners.
• Tell children to report an animal bite to an adult immediately.
• Do not keep wild animals as pets.
• Do not touch or tease wild animals.
• Do not handle sick or injured animals or animals that are acting strangely.
• Get help from animal control personnel if you need to rescue a trapped or injured animal. If no help is available, wear the heaviest gloves and clothing you have. Do not move quickly when approaching the animal, and talk in a low, gentle voice to reassure the animal.

Choose and care for your pets wisely

• Do not buy a pet on impulse. Do some research and learn about how different types of pets act and what their needs are. Ask a veterinarian or your local humane society for more information.
• Keep your animals healthy. Regular examinations and vaccinations are important for their health and for yours. Vaccinate pets against rabies and other diseases.
• Promote attitudes of animal love and respect. Do not tolerate any form of animal abuse or cruelty.
• Obedience-train your dogs. If you have children, involve them in the training so they can handle and learn respect for their companion animals. Keep pets on a leash in public areas.
• Do not allow your pets to roam free. Fence your yard, and keep your pets on a leash in public areas.
• Contact your local humane society or shelter about workshops for your school or service group that teach about animal care.

Human bites

• Prevent human bites by controlling behavior that may lead to fights or abuse. For more information, see the topic Violent Behavior.
• Teach your child not to bite. Biting most commonly occurs when many children are together, such as in child care centers. Most of the time, biting can be reduced by proper supervision and by helping children express their feelings in more appropriate ways.

Preparing For Your Appointment

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment

You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:

• When did the bite occur?
• Where were you when the bite occurred?
• How did the bite occur? Describe what happened.
• Were you bitten by a domestic pet or a wild animal?
  • Do you know the animal, or was it a stray?
  • Was the animal acting strangely?
  • Is the animal safely secured?
  • Have you notified your local animal control department?
• Was the bite provoked?
• What are your main symptoms?
• What home treatment measures have you tried? Did they help? Be sure to include any nonprescription medications you have taken or used. Did they help?
• When was your last tetanus shot?
• Do you have any health risks?

Related Information

• Biting
• Cuts
• Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)
• Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis C
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection
• Puncture Wounds
• Rabies
• Scrapes
• Shock
• Snake and Lizard Bites