What to do if you are bitten by an animal?

What animal can bite?

All animals, including our beloved pets, can bite. Even the sweetest pet may bite if it is bothered, attacked, injured, or stressed. Children are bitten more often than adults, because their behaviour may seem threatening to the animal, even unintentionally.

Dogs are responsible for the majority of bites, accounting for 70–90% of cases. Cats are responsible for 3 to 15% of bites, while other pets account for 2 to 3%. Although dog bites can cause more severe damage, cat bites carry a higher risk of infection (80% versus 5% for dog bites). This is because cats' sharp teeth can penetrate deep into the skin and leave bacteria behind. These wounds are difficult to clean thoroughly due to their small size, which increases the risk of infection. 

Rarely, a bite may occur when you come into contact with a wild or stray animal. In such cases, there may be a risk of rabies transmission. Rabies infections have been reported in bats across Canada, as well as in skunks, raccoons and foxes in some provinces and territories. 

What to do if you have been bitten?

Regardless of the animal that caused the bite, it is essential to clean the wound promptly to minimize the risk of infection.

• Use potable tap water to thoroughly clean any bite, even if it doesn't seem serious. It is important to rinse thoroughly and for a long time (at least 5–10 minutes) with a jet of water strong enough to dislodge any bacteria or dirt that may have entered the wound.
• Do not apply rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to the wound, as these products can cause significant discomfort and damage tissue, which can delay the healing process.
• If you have a disinfectant such as chlorhexidine, apply it to the wound after cleaning it. Over-the-counter antibiotic ointments are not effective at preventing infection from bites, as they do not target the bacteria typically associated with this type of injury.
• Cover the wound with a clean bandage to protect it while it heals. Change the bandage if it becomes wet or dirty.

These measures are usually sufficient for minor wounds. You should check the wound daily and consult a healthcare professional if you notice any signs of infection, such as increased redness, heat or swelling around the wound, pus, or a fever. Taking a photo of the wound can help to determine if it changes in appearance over the following days.

Important: Any dog or wildlife bite must be reported to the relevant municipal authorities. The animal should not be killed, as it must be kept under observation for around ten days to ensure that it was not carrying rabies.

When to see a health care professional?

Some bites require treatment to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of infection. You should consult a healthcare professional if the bite:

• is deep, broad, has irregular edges or flaps of skin have been torn off
• is located on the face or genitals
• appears to have affected a nerve or tendon
• was inflicted by a cat and the skin was pierced (higher risk of infection)
• was inflicted by a stray or wild animal (especially bats, raccoons, skunks or foxes), as preventive treatment for tetanus or rabies may be required

does not stop bleeding despite 5 to 10 minutes of compression

Children should learn bite prevention at a young age!

Most bites can be prevented. Since bites often occur in children, it is very important to teach them how to behave around animals from an early age. For example:

• Never approach an animal, whether known or unknown, without the owner’s permission.
• Never bother an animal, especially if it is sleeping or eating.
• Never put your hands through fences or cage bars to touch an animal.
• Never pick up a dead or injured wild animal.
• If two animals are bickering or fighting, never attempt to separate them.

Pet owners also have a role to play. For example, they should socialize their pets while they are young, teach their dogs basic commands, keep their dogs on a leash during walks, and never leave them alone with babies or young children, even if their pets are usually sweet-natured.

Respectful interaction with animals helps to avoid situations in which animals may suddenly become aggressive and bite.

Your pharmacist is there for you!

Have you, or a loved one, been bitten and are unsure whether you need medical attention? Pharmacists can assess the severity of the injury and refer you to the appropriate medical resource if needed (e.g., walk-in clinic, emergency room).

For minor bites, pharmacists can advise you on how to care for your wound to ensure proper healing. They may also recommend over-the-counter products, such as pain relievers or bandages to help protect the wound. They can also determine if you need a tetanus booster or preventive antibiotic treatment (e.g., following a cat bite).

Since accidents can happen so quickly, it's a good idea to have a first aid kit at home. Your pharmacist can help you create a first aid kit tailored to your needs and teach you how and when to use the various products.

Have a question about a bite? Consult your pharmacist for personalized advice.