Did your dog or cat get bitten by another animal? Don't panic! There are many things that you can do to help your pet. The first step is to verify that your pet is up-to-date on vaccines. If not, check with your vet to determine what vaccines they may need. Also, if the animal that bit your pet has an owner, ask if that pet is current on vaccines as well. It’s important to note that most bite wounds need medical attention for proper wound cleaning, antibiotics, and pain management. Keep reading to learn more about caring for your injured cat or dog.
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Since bite wounds tend to bleed heavily right after they occur, you should ensure that your pet receives immediate medical attention. Otherwise, the injury can become infected and lead to severe complications later. That's why it’s imperative to learn how to treat animal bites correctly, at least while preparing to head to the veterinary clinic. Here are three steps to follow in case of an animal bite:
It’s essential to remain focused and calm if your pet has been bitten. While the adrenaline rush makes us feel ready to take action, it slows our reflexes.
If your pet will allow it, clean the bite wounds as soon as possible. Apply ice packs or cool compresses to help with pain and inflammation. If the wound is bleeding, apply gentle pressure using a clean towel or gauze.
After cleaning the wounds and controlling minor bleeding, contact your local veterinary emergency hospital to get more information about available treatments. After examining your pet, your vet will recommend a treatment plan that may include further wound care, antibiotics, and pain medication.
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