Animal Bite or Scratch: How to Care for Your Child

Animal bites and scratches that break the skin can sometimes get infected because animals have germs in their mouths and on their claws. You can help prevent infection by keeping the wound clean. Sometimes an antibiotic is needed, either to be put on the skin (cream or ointment) or taken by mouth (liquid or pills). 

• Gently wash the wound with soap and water twice a day.

• Cover the area with a bandage or clean gauze.

• Check the wound at least once a day for signs of infection, including redness, swelling, warmth, soreness, and pus (yellow drainage). If an antibiotic was prescribed, give your child all of the recommended doses. This is the best way to kill the harmful germs.

• Schedule any follow-up appointments as directed by the health care provider.

• You can give medicine for pain. Use one of these medicines exactly as directed:

  • acetaminophen (such as Tylenol® or a store brand)OR

  • ibuprofen (such as Advil®, Motrin® or a store brand). Do not give to babies under 6 months old. 

• Don't give aspirin to your child or teen, as it can be dangerous.

• Your child has a fever.

• Your child has a rash.

• You see redness, warmth, or pus drainage from the wound.

• Red streaks spread from the wound.

• Your child can't move the area of the body with the bite or scratch.

Can rabies spread through an animal bite or scratch? Yes, but only if the animal that bit or scratched your child had rabies. The wild animals that most commonly get rabies include raccoons, skunks, coyotes, bats and foxes. If the health care provider is concerned about rabies exposure, he or she will recommend a series of shots to prevent this serious viral infection.

What other problems can happen? Rarely, a cat scratch or bite can cause a mild bacterial infection called cat scratch disease. This can happen even if the cat appears healthy, and especially if it's a kitten. Watch your child for swollen lymph nodes (glands), fever, or a general unwell feeling a week or two after the bite or scratch.

Does my child need a tetanus shot? Tetanus is a bacterial infection that affects the body's muscles and nerves. It comes from germs in the dirt that get into a wound. Tetanus doesn't happen often in kids because most kids have gotten a tetanus vaccine that protects them. Your child may get a tetanus shot if the health care provider decides it is needed.

How can we prevent animal bites and scratches? Teach your kids to handle pets gently and not to tease. Animals should not be disturbed while they are eating, sleeping or caring for their babies. Always ask if it is OK to touch someone else's pet. Let the animal see and sniff kids before they touch it. And teach children to stay away from wild animals, such as squirrels, snakes, raccoons and skunks.