Animal bites

About animal bites

Being bitten is a common cause of injury. Any animal can bite, including pets and wild animals. The most common types of animal bites are:

  • dog bites
  • cat bites

Usually bites are minor, but infections can occur if the skin is broken and bacteria from the saliva (spit) of the animal that has bitten you is passed into your bloodstream.

Bites usually result in the following type of injury:

  • puncture
  • lacerations
  • abrasions or scrapes
  • bruising and swelling

Bites can be very painful and uncomfortable. Often they look worse than they are, but you should pay close attention to signs of an infection developing.

Signs of an infection include:

  • swelling
  • redness
  • increasing tenderness around the bite
  • the wound gets more painful
  • discharge from the wound
  • swollen lymph nodes (especially in the neck, armpits or groin)
  • shivers or developing a high temperature (over 38C or 100.4F)

Dog bites

Most dog bites are caused either by a family pet or a dog that belongs to someone you know, such as a neighbour. Dogs can bite anybody, but dog bites are most common among 5 - 9 year old children (particularly boys).

Dog bites typically cause a puncture wound in the skin, as well as lacerations and abrasions. Adults are usually bitten on the hands, arms, feet or legs. Children are more likely to be bitten on the face, usually around the lips, cheek or nose.

Cat bites

Cat bites usually cause only minor injuries but they tend to increase the risk of an infection developing. However, because cats have smaller and sharper teeth they can cause very deep puncture wounds, which can sometimes reach down to the bone.

Cat bites tend to affect more women than men. They generally occur on the upper limbs (arms and hands) but children may also be bitten on the face and neck.

Rabies

Rabies is a disease which is passed from animals to humans through the saliva (spit) of an infected animal. The infection affects the central nervous system and causes swelling of the brain and if untreated is fatal. If treated immediately it can be prevented.

Rabies is very rare in the UK, and the UK is officially classed as a rabies-free country. There have been three cases of rabies reported since 2000 in the UK, all of which were caught when bitten by an animal abroad.

If you have been bitten by any type of animal, there is some advice below to follow before you receive a call from NHS Direct.

Looking after yourself

Here is some self care information:

  • If the wound is still bleeding – cover it with a clean cloth and apply pressure with the palm of your hand. Keep the pressure on the wound for 15 minutes.
  • Apply pressure directly over the affected area with a pad made from a clean, rolled up piece of material such as a handkerchief or towel which should be dampened with clean water if possible. This will reduce the amount of blood soaked up by the material.
  • Use a bandage to wrap around the pad or dressing. Don’t wrap the bandage too tightly as it may affect the circulation.
  • If the bleeding is very heavy it may seep through the bandage. You should use a second dressing to cover the first one.
  • If the bleeding continues through both bandages and pads, remove the second bandage only and apply a new one.
  • Don’t look at the wound to see if it has stopped bleeding in case removing the pressure causes it to start bleeding again.
  • If the wound is not bleeding – rinse under running water for 2 minutes. It might be easier for you to rinse your injury with a shower head, if possible. Pat dry with a clean cloth, then cover the wound with a dry, sterile, non-sticky dressing to help prevent infection.
  • If you are in pain, get advice on medicines you can take.
  • Check the area daily for signs of infection such as increasing pain, redness, swelling or yellow discharge.
  • If you have not had a full course of tetanus immunisation or if your boosters are not up to date, contact your GP.

Serious bites (if part of the body is bitten off)


  • Carefully wash the body part that has been bitten off with tap water, if this is possible.
  • Place the part in a plastic bag or container which can be securely sealed.
  • Put the bag or container into iced water (don’t place directly onto a block of ice) to keep it cool, as it may be possible to reattach the body part with surgery.
  • Go to your local accident and emergency (A&E) department immediately, taking the bag or container with you.

For bruising and swelling

  • An ice pack for the first 24 hours can help reduce bruising and swelling but should not be placed directly against the skin. Try wrapping a bag of frozen peas in a cloth (such as a tea towel) and mould this around the swollen area (on for 20 minutes then off for 20 minutes) as often as needed. The bag of peas can repeatedly be re-frozen but you must not then eat the contents.
  • If you are in pain, get advice on medicines you can take.

Useful links

Bites, animal (NHS Choices)
Bites – animal (Patient UK)
Cat and dog bites - patient information leaflet (Patient UK )
Bleeding – first aid advice (St John Ambulance)
Tetanus (NHS Choices)
Treating bleeding (NHS Choices)
How do I care for my stitches? (NHS Choices)
Cuts and grazes (NHS Choices)
Wounds and bleeding - first aid advice (St John Ambulance)