This is how you should act when faced with a bite to avoid a serious infection

Animal Bites and Scratches: What You Need to Know

How Common Are They?

In Spain, about 2 out of every 100 people see a doctor each year because of an animal‑related injury. Dog bites are the most frequent (around 60‑90 % of cases), followed by cat bites (5‑20 %) and even human bites (4‑23 %).

Types of Injuries and Infection Risks

Animal‑related wounds fall into four groups: bites, scratches, stings, and secondary injuries like fractures or sprains. Each has its own infection risk, which depends on the animal and the wound’s depth.

Dog Bites

• Often on the face in kids and on arms/hands in adults.
• Infection rate: 18‑20 %.

Cat Bites

• Look like small punctures but can go deep.
• Infection rate can reach up to 80 %.

Human Bites

• Higher chance of complications, including hepatitis B or C.
• May need both antibiotics and antiviral protection.

Why Early Treatment Matters

Even a wound that looks minor can become serious if bacteria get inside. Quick cleaning and proper care lower the chance of infection, scarring, or more severe problems like joint damage.

Steps to Take Right After a Bite

1. Stay calm and move to a safe place.
2. Let the wound bleed a little (if it’s not life‑threatening) – this helps flush out germs.
3. Wash with soap and water for at least 15 minutes.
4. Rinse with clean water or sterile saline (use a gentle stream, not a high‑pressure jet).
5. Remove any visible dirt, debris, or dead tissue.
6. Check for deeper damage – look for tendon, nerve, or bone involvement.
7. Elevate the injured limb if it’s an arm or leg to reduce swelling.
8. Cover with a clean dressing until you can get professional help.

If the wound is deep, involves a joint, or shows signs of infection (redness, swelling, pus, increasing pain), see a doctor right away.

Medical Treatment: Antibiotics, Tetanus, and More

Doctors will decide based on:

• Animal type (dog, cat, human).
• Wound depth and location.
• Your vaccination history.

Common actions include:

• Antibiotic prophylaxis (often a combination like amoxicillin‑clavulanate) to prevent infection.
• Tetanus shot if you haven’t had a booster in the last 5 years (or immunoglobulin if your vaccine record is incomplete).
• Rabies evaluation – only needed if the animal could be rabid (wild animals, unvaccinated pets, or bites in areas where rabies exists).
• Antiviral prophylaxis for human bites when hepatitis B/C risk is high.

To Stitch or Not to Stitch? Surgical Options

• Primary closure (stitching right away) is safe for clean facial wounds, recent injuries (< 8 hours), and low‑infection‑risk bites.
• Delayed closure (waiting a few days) or leaving the wound open is preferred for:
  • Puncture wounds (especially cat bites).
  • Injuries to hands, feet, or genitals.
  • Wounds that are already infected or older than 8‑12 hours.

A surgeon will assess the wound, decide the best timing, and may also repair any damaged tendons or nerves.

When Public Health Gets Involved

Because animal bites can spread disease, certain steps are mandatory:

• Report the incident to local health authorities (epidemiology unit).
• Notify the police or court if the bite resulted from an aggressive animal.
• Alert rabies surveillance if there’s any suspicion of rabies.

These reports help track outbreaks and protect the community.

Conclusion

Animal bites are common, but most complications can be avoided with quick, proper care. Remember to wash the wound thoroughly, seek medical advice for deeper or risky injuries, keep your tetanus shots up to date, and follow public‑health reporting rules. By acting fast and staying informed, you can reduce infection risk and heal faster.

Reference: Source

Images Credit: www.diariodeibiza.es