Animal bites are common in children, and every bite should be assessed at a healthcare facility. A wound looking small does not mean that the risk is low; small but deep wounds such as a cat scratch carry a higher risk of infection.

First aid at the moment of the incident

  1. Move the child to a safe area and calm them down.
  2. Wash the wound with plenty of running water and soap for at least a few minutes. This step is the most effective one for reducing the risk of rabies.
  3. If there is bleeding, apply pressure with a clean cloth.
  4. Do not squeeze the wound, do not close it and tape it over; do not apply substances such as medication, coffee or toothpaste on it.
  5. Go to a healthcare facility.

What the doctor assesses

  • The depth, location and cleanliness of the wound
  • The type of animal, whether it has an owner, and its vaccination status
  • The child's tetanus vaccination status
  • Rabies risk and, if needed, administration of rabies vaccine/serum
  • Whether an antibiotic is required

Bites on the face, on the hands and around the joints are assessed separately.

Rabies risk

Rabies is a disease that has no treatment once it has started, but that can be prevented with vaccination after exposure. For this reason, contact with stray animals, contact with bats and bites from unknown animals must be assessed quickly.

Prevention

The child is taught not to touch an animal that is eating or sleeping, to stay away from an animal with young, and not to try to feed stray animals. Pets' vaccinations are kept up to date.