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What to Say in an Emergency

When Calling Emergency Services for Severe Animal Bite

Say exactly:

""I'm calling about my [age] child who was bitten by a [type of animal]. The bite is [location and severity]. It happened [time] ago. The animal was [known/unknown, vaccinated/unvaccinated]. We are at [your exact location/address].""

When Calling Doctor for Animal Bite

Say exactly:

""My [age] child was bitten by a [type of animal] [time] ago. The bite is on their [location] and [describe wound]. The animal [is/isn't] known to us and [is/isn't] up to date on vaccinations. Should we come in?""

Step-by-Step Instructions

  • 1
    Ensure Safety and Control Bleeding
    • Get child away from animal safely
    • If bleeding heavily, apply direct pressure with clean cloth
    • Elevate injured area if possible
    • Do not try to stop minor bleeding immediately - it helps clean the wound
    • Call 911 if bleeding is severe or won't stop with pressure
  • 2
    Clean the Wound Thoroughly
    • Wash hands thoroughly before touching wound
    • Rinse wound with clean water for 5-10 minutes
    • Gently clean around wound with soap and water
    • Do not scrub inside deep puncture wounds
    • Pat dry with clean cloth or sterile gauze
  • 3
    Assess Wound Severity
    • Deep puncture wounds (especially from cats) need medical attention
    • Bites on face, hands, feet, or genitals require medical care
    • Large tears or wounds that gape open need stitches
    • Any bite that breaks the skin needs tetanus consideration
    • Wild animal or unknown domestic animal bites need rabies evaluation
  • 4
    Gather Information About the Animal
    • Identify the type of animal (dog, cat, wild animal)
    • Find out vaccination status if domestic animal
    • Get owner's contact information if possible
    • Note animal's behavior (normal vs aggressive/sick)
    • Report to animal control if required by local laws
  • 5
    Seek Appropriate Medical Care
    • Go to ER for severe bites, face/hand bites, or unknown animals
    • See doctor within 24 hours for any bite that breaks skin
    • Discuss tetanus shot if child's vaccination isn't current
    • Consider rabies post-exposure prophylaxis if indicated
    • Follow up if signs of infection develop

Watch for Signs

Monitor your child for these symptoms:

🚩 Severe Bites - Seek Emergency Care

  • Deep puncture wounds or large tears
  • Bites on face, hands, feet, or genitals
  • Heavy bleeding that won't stop with pressure
  • Bite from unknown or wild animal
  • Signs of nerve or tendon damage (numbness, inability to move)
  • Bite from animal acting strangely or aggressively
  • Multiple bite wounds
  • Bite in immunocompromised child
  • Signs of serious infection (fever, red streaks, severe swelling)

💚 Minor Bites (Still Need Medical Evaluation)

  • Shallow scratches or small punctures
  • Bite from known, vaccinated domestic animal
  • Minimal bleeding that stops easily
  • Bite on arms, legs, or trunk (not face/hands)
  • Animal was behaving normally
  • No signs of infection after 24-48 hours
  • Child's tetanus vaccination is current

FAQs (Common Parent Questions)

"Do all animal bites need antibiotics?"

Not all, but many do. Cat bites almost always need antibiotics due to high infection risk. Dog bites may need antibiotics depending on location and severity. Your doctor will decide based on the specific situation.

"When do we need to worry about rabies?"

Rabies risk depends on the animal type and local rabies prevalence. Bats, raccoons, skunks, and foxes are high-risk. Unknown dogs and cats also pose risk. Your doctor and local health department will assess rabies risk.

"How do I know if the bite is infected?"

Watch for increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, red streaks extending from wound, fever, or increasing pain after the first 24 hours. Any of these signs require immediate medical attention.

"Should I report the bite to authorities?"

Many areas require reporting animal bites, especially from unknown animals or if rabies is a concern. Check with your local health department or animal control about reporting requirements.

"Can my child get tetanus from an animal bite?"

Yes, any wound that breaks the skin can introduce tetanus bacteria. If your child's tetanus vaccination isn't current (within 5-10 years depending on wound type), they may need a booster shot.

Real Parent Tips

Real Parent Experiences

"I took photos of my daughter's dog bite before and after cleaning. The doctor said it really helped them assess the wound and track healing."

— Lisa M., Vancouver

"Even though it was our neighbor's friendly dog, we still went to the doctor. Cat and dog mouths have lots of bacteria that can cause serious infections."

— David K., Toronto

"We got the dog owner's contact info and vaccination records right away. Having that information made the medical evaluation much easier."

— Maria S., Calgary
This guide is intended for quick reference and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a medical professional if uncertain.