Because of children’s playfulness and curiosity, they may easily become targets of animal aggression resulting in possible bites and injuries. Animal bites or scratches that break the skin can lead to infection. If the cut or wound is large, it may even need stitches.
However, bites from wild animals rarely lead to rabies. Some common animals that may transmit rabies when they bite people are bats, skunks, raccoons, and foxes. Therefore, parents should always be ready on what to do in case animal bites happen. These cases may need urgent medical treatment. You can start the treatment while you’re at home.
To immediately tend to an animal bite, you first have to wash the bitten area with soap and water. If the wound is bleeding, put pressure on it using a clean cloth or gauze. Once the bleeding stops, apply antibiotic ointment on the area. Cover the area with a sterile gauze or bandage. If your child experiences pain, you can give him or her ibuprofen or acetaminophen that is recommended for his or her age.
Your child would need medical care from an urgent care center if the bite was from a wild or stray animal, a pet that isn’t updated on rabies shots, or an animal that is acting strangely. You would also need medical care if: the bite has broken the skin; is located on the child’s face, head, neck, hand, foot, or near joint; has become red, hot, swollen, or more painful; or if your child is behind on shots or has not had a tetanus shot within the last 5 years.
If any of the above-mentioned situations happen, visit our medical clinic in California immediately!
Progressive Urgent Care – Castro Valley provides urgent medical services in Castro Valley, California.
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