How To Treat An Animal Bite

Bandage Wound With Sterile Material

Once the wound is clean, the next goal on your list is to bandage the wound with sterile material. Again, if you're outdoors hiking or camping, pack sterile bandages in your first aid kit. There is a difference between a wound dressing and bandage; be sure to have both. The dressing is the compress or sterile pad you apply directly to the wound. The bandage is generally placed over the dressing to hold it. Simply put, the bandage is the sticky part, while the dressing is the softer pad. You shouldn't let the sticky portion of the bandage come into contact with the wound.

Visit A Doctor For Severe Bites

You need to visit a doctor for severe animal bites. The doctors can recommend the best follow-up treatment. They'll also determine whether you need any vaccinations against potential disease. A bite is considered severe if it causes more damage than a superficial scratch. If the animal was a stray or wild, seek emergency medical treatment regardless of how severe the injury was. If you can find the animal's owner, get information about the animal's rabies vaccinations and whether they were up-to-date. Pass this information on to your healthcare professional. In cases where the animal was wild or a stray, get in contact with animal control or your local health department as soon as possible.