Animal Bites: How to Prevent Them and What to Do If You're Bitten

The risk

Wild animals usually avoid people, but may attack if they feel threatened, are sick, or are protecting their young or territory. Bites from pets are more common.

Animal bites are rarely life-threatening — but an infected bite can lead to serious medical problems.

Preventing bites and complications

• Never pet, handle or feed animals you don't know.
• Leave snakes alone.
• Watch children closely around animals.
• Vaccinate your cats, ferrets and dogs against rabies.
• Spay or neuter your dog to make it less aggressive.
• Get a tetanus booster if you haven't had one recently.
• Wear boots and long pants where there are venomous snakes.

If you're bitten

1. Clean the wound with soap and water as soon as possible.
2. Get medical attention if needed.

Sources

Based on the MedlinePlus health topic "Animal Bites," National Library of Medicine, drawing on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; a work of the United States government in the public domain.