7 Expert Tips On Treating Animal Bites And Preventing Infections

Animal bites have become a common concern among Americans, with 4-5 million occurring each year. Most of the animal bites are caused by dogs, cats, rodents, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, etc. Children are more vulnerable to animal bites than adults as their kiddish gestures may offend the animals any time.  On the other side, animals with some ailment or mental disorientation can attack humans out of fear, panic, irritation, or a sudden flicker of fury. Among all types of animal bite injuries, rabies is of utmost concern. Though not the most serious, skin infection is the most common. All wounds may not be serious, but severe bite injuries may turn into fatalities. At Injury Rely, our medical professionals provide the best immediate animal bite treatment to the victims. Our wound management, rehabilitative therapy, and reconstructive surgery specialists are available 24/7 to provide you with instant medical assistance in case you or anyone close to you has suffered an animal attack.  

First Aid Steps for Animal Bites at Home 

Animal bites are rarely life-threatening. But, on-time care is crucial in ensuring safety.  And, animal bite treatment always involves safety. In case you have suffered an animal bite, the immediate steps to follow are - 

         1. Clean your hands 

Wash your hands with soap and water before you touch the wounded area. You can prevent the risks of infection while maintaining cleanliness. Wearing sterile gloves is highly effective in this case. 
 

        2. Wash the wound

Regardless of the severity of the bites, you should wash the area with soap and water. Apply running water on the wound for about five minutes and clean the dirt and bacteria. Wash the wound from the depth and remove the last trace of soap.  

          3. Stop the bleeding

Wash the fresh blood from the wound. If the blood continues to flow, apply direct pressure with a clean cotton cloth or towel to control it.

          4. Cover the bite area 

Before you see a doctor, cover the bite with a clean, dry cloth. You can apply generic antibiotic ointment to the wound, but only if you are sure of its use. 

7 Expert Treatment Tips for Animal Bites 

After an animal bite, you need proper medical care to fight pain and infection. Both indoor pets and stray animals can attack humans. Outdoor pets may carry the germ of rabies when they are unvaccinated or sick. After an animal bite, 7 expert treatment tips to treat animal bites and prevent infections. 

          1. Keep Calm and Focus on Safety 

When you have already been bitten by an animal, keep calm. Don’t panic, as it will only add to the mess and make the situation worse. Though this is not a direct treatment tip, it’s an expert suggestion to bring the case under care from the very beginning. 

          2. Wash the Wound Area and Control Bleeding 

Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 15-20 minutes. With or without a doctor’s intervention, rinse the bite area thoroughly to remove the saliva, bacteria, or any external element. 

           3. Seek Medical Attention Fast

After an animal bites you, you need to clean the wounded area thoroughly as fast as possible. It’s best to check the wound immediately after the bite to reduce the chances of infection and long-term damage. You must visit a healthcare provider when you suffer from -  

• Bleeding 
• Deep wounds 
• Multiple bites 
• Broken bones 
• Torn muscles or ligaments 
• Pus coming from the wound
• You haven’t taken a tetanus shot in the last five years or longer.  

Consult our medical service provider at Injury Rely when your bite injury is severe and deep. Our doctors assess your wound and determine the need for medication to treat the injury effectively. Bites on more sensitive areas like the neck, head, face, hand, fingers, and feet need instant and intricate medical care. Our experts work on rabies risk assessment. We examine the wound and determine whether to apply a prophylactic antibiotic or tetanus vaccination to treat the wound. In case of severe pain, we offer you effective pain management medication. 

           4. Keep the Area Clean and Covered with a Dry, Sterilized Piece of Cloth

When exposed to dirt and dust outside, the chances of infection are high. It’s always advised to keep the area protected from harmful elements. Dress the area at regular intervals and keep the injured area clean and dry to prevent the risk of infection. 

          5. Keep an Eye on the Infection Symptoms 

It’s crucial to watch for signs of infection, such as pain, swelling, redness, or pus. If you doubt an infection, seek further medical attention quickly with us. 

         6. Watch Out for Symptoms of Rabies 

You don’t know whether the animal that attacked you has rabies. This is why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that injured victims must seek medical advice with rabies shots. Constantly monitor the bite area to check for symptoms. 

        7. Report the accident 

Report the accident to the authorities. Although it may not directly relate to Animal attack injuries treatment, it’s an essential part of the entire process. Report the event to the authority when it involves an animal bite case causing serious injury. Our medical expert will help you report the accident.   
 

Can An Animal Bite Turn into An Infection? 

As a few days pass and the wound begins to heal, you may notice symptoms of tenderness, pink skin, swolleness, and a clear fluid oozing out of the wound, if there is an infection. The symptoms may last upto a week. You need to monitor your wound to check whether you have an infection. Vivid symptoms of infection include - 

1. Redness spreads over the wounded area.
2. Fever that lasts for more than 4 hours.
3. Increased pain and swelling in the skin extending from the bite. 
4. Black edges around the bite wound. 
5. Green or yellow pus

Final Takeaway 

Treating an animal bite prioritizes basic first aid. You should see a doctor within 24 hours, irrespective of whether the bite injury is serious or not. You may need additional Animal bite treatment options like antibiotics, stitches, vaccinations, and even surgeries. At Injury Rely, our medical professionals may recommend you with tetanus booster shots. After incurring an animal bite injury, it’s essential to collect the owner’s information and proof of vaccination. Follow your healthcare professionals’ instructions to take care of your wounds and watch out for the signs of infections. Connect with Injury Rely anytime for the best medical assistance after you have suffered an animal bite injury.