Animal Bites
Many different types of animals ranging from dogs, cats, hamsters, raccoons, ferrets, and squirrels can bite adults and children. Many times, bites are from the family pet.
Rabies is extremely rare in domestic animals in the US and is only usually found in bats, raccoons, foxes and skunks. If the animal can be observed (and is not ill) then rabies vaccination is not necessary.
If you’ve just suffered from an animal bite, the first thing you should do is get to a safe place, away from whatever bit you. Immediately administer thorough cleansing of all wounds with soap and water and large volumes of tap water directly to the open wound. Hold direct pressure until the bleeding stops, then apply a clean dressing. Seek medical attention for any bites. Come in to Grand Ave Urgent Care today and we will assess your injury and give you the treatment you need, providing prescribed antibiotics, or stitches. A person who is exposed and has never been vaccinated against rabies should get an injection of Rabies Immune Globulin and 4 doses of rabies vaccine.
If you aren’t current on your tetanus shots and your last shot was over five years ago, you may need a tetanus shot.
How to learn more:
Ask your doctor or provider
Call your local or state health department
Contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Visit CDC’s rabies website at www.cdc.gov/rabies/
Most states require that animal bites be reported, therefore the person bitten will be informed by Grand Ave Urgent Care that the bite incident will be reported to the Animal Control Center.
Grand Ave Urgent Care is open well past normal business hours, providing you and your family the ultimate in flexible, affordable, friendly medical care. We recognize the uniqueness of children who are less than 3 months old. If your child is less than 3 months old, please see your pediatrician, family doctor or go to the hospital.