Animal Bites

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Call Immediately for Emergency Medical Assistance if

Call your local emergency number (such as 911) if the person has been seriously wounded -- for example, if the person is bleeding significantly and it will not stop with simple first aid measures.

Call your doctor or go to a hospital emergency room if:

• The person was bitten by an unknown or wild animal.
• The person has not had a tetanus shot within the past 5 years. (If a person has not had a tetanus shot in 5 years, a tetanus shot is recommended within 24 hours of any skin break.)
• There is swelling, redness, pus draining from the wound, or pain.
• The bite is on the face, neck, or hands.
• The bite is deep or large.
• You aren't sure if the wound needs stitches.