Animal Bite

Content reviewed against published AAP, CDC, Red Cross guidelines

Editorial policy

Last reviewed:

Animal bites in children most commonly come from dogs, cats, and other household pets. All bites carry risk of infection and some carry risk of rabies. Proper wound care and medical evaluation are essential, especially for bites to the face, hands, or from unknown/wild animals.

Immediate actions

  • May not require 911 — see guidance below
  • Move child away from the animal to prevent further injury
  • DO NOT: Do NOT try to close or stitch a bite wound yourself — many are left open intentionally to prevent infection

Step-by-Step Response

1

Ensure safety

Move the child away from the animal. Secure or confine the animal if it is a pet. Do not approach a wild or unknown animal.

2

Control bleeding

Apply direct pressure with a clean cloth for 10-15 minutes. If bleeding is severe or will not stop, go to ER.

3

Clean the wound

Wash thoroughly with soap and warm running water for at least 5 minutes. This significantly reduces infection risk. Gently remove any debris.

4

Apply basic first aid

After cleaning, apply antibiotic ointment and cover with a clean bandage. Do not tape the wound closed.

5

Gather information

Note: type of animal, domesticated or wild, provoked or unprovoked attack, vaccination status (if pet), and owner contact information.

6

Seek medical evaluation

Contact your doctor or go to ER. The provider will assess need for: stitches (only certain bites), antibiotics, tetanus booster, and/or rabies prophylaxis.

7

Report the bite

Report animal bites to local animal control. A pet that bit may need to be observed for 10 days for rabies. Wild animal bites may require immediate rabies treatment.

What NOT to Do

  • ✕Do NOT try to close or stitch a bite wound yourself — many are left open intentionally to prevent infection
  • ✕Do NOT apply alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or iodine directly to a deep bite
  • ✕Do NOT ignore a cat bite — they have a high infection rate due to deep puncture wounds
  • ✕Do NOT try to capture a wild animal — note its description and location for animal control
  • ✕Do NOT delay medical care for bites to the face, hands, feet, or genitals
  • ✕Do NOT assume a pet's vaccinations are current without checking

When to Seek Help

Call 911 if:

  • Severe bleeding that cannot be controlled
  • Attack by a large animal causing multiple wounds
  • Bite to the neck or throat
  • Child is in shock (pale, cold, clammy, confused)
  • Signs of severe allergic reaction after a bite

Go to ER if:

  • Bite to the face, hand, foot, or over a joint
  • Deep puncture wound (especially cat bites)
  • Bite from a wild, stray, or unvaccinated animal
  • Significant tissue damage or skin flap
  • Bite that will not stop bleeding
  • Any bat contact (even without visible bite mark)
  • Child's tetanus vaccination is not up to date
  • Signs of infection: red streaking, pus, fever, or increased swelling

Call your doctor if:

  • All animal bites should be evaluated by a healthcare provider
  • Superficial scratch from a known, vaccinated pet — call for guidance
  • Signs of infection developing 1-3 days after bite (increasing redness, warmth, swelling, pus, fever)

Age-Specific Guidance

0-2 years

Infants and young toddlers are most likely to be bitten on the face and head because of their height relative to dogs. NEVER leave a baby alone with any animal. Even "gentle" pets can bite if startled.

2-5 years

This is the peak age for dog bites. Children may not recognize warning signs (growling, stiff body, bared teeth). Teach gentle behavior with animals. Supervise all pet interactions.

5-12 years

Children may approach unfamiliar animals or attempt to play with wildlife. Cat bites become more common. Teach children to report any animal bite to an adult immediately — even small ones.

Prevention

  • Teach children to never approach unfamiliar animals
  • Never leave young children unsupervised with any animal, including family pets
  • Teach children to ask permission before petting someone else's animal
  • Do not disturb animals while they are eating, sleeping, or caring for young
  • Teach children not to run from or scream around dogs
  • Keep pets vaccinated against rabies
  • Supervise all interactions between children and pets
  • Teach gentle handling — no pulling tails, ears, or fur

Frequently asked questions

Should I call 911 for animal bite?
Not always. Call 911 if: Severe bleeding that cannot be controlled
What should I do first?
Move child away from the animal to prevent further injury. Control bleeding with direct pressure using a clean cloth. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 5 minutes. Seek medical attention — most animal bites in children need professional evaluation
What should I NOT do?
Do NOT try to close or stitch a bite wound yourself — many are left open intentionally to prevent infection. Do NOT apply alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, or iodine directly to a deep bite. Do NOT ignore a cat bite — they have a high infection rate due to deep puncture wounds. Do NOT try to capture a wild animal — note its description and location for animal control. Do NOT delay medical care for bites to the face, hands, feet, or genitals. Do NOT assume a pet's vaccinations are current without checking
How can I prevent this?
Teach children to never approach unfamiliar animals. Never leave young children unsupervised with any animal, including family pets. Teach children to ask permission before petting someone else's animal

Sources

AAPCDCRED CROSS

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources

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Bottom line

Stay calm and follow the steps above. When in doubt, call your pediatrician or go to the nearest emergency room.

You are doing the right thing by learning what to do in an emergency. Being prepared is one of the best things you can do for your child.