Animal Bites, First Aid 

Animal bites are extremely common and occur most frequently in children. Most animal bites come from domestic dogs. Cat bites are less common, but the risk of infection from a cat bite is higher than that from a dog bite.

Dog bites are largely preventable. (For more information, see the Centers for Disease Control Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/duip/biteprevention.htm):

• Never leave infants or young children alone with any dog.
• Teach children basic safety around dogs:
  • Do not approach an unfamiliar dog.
  • Do not play with a dog unless supervised by an adult.
  • Do not disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
  • Do not pet a dog without allowing it to see and sniff you first.
  • If approached or knocked down by an unfamiliar dog, remain motionless. (Do not run!)
  • Avoid direct eye contact with a dog.
  • If bitten, immediately report the bite to an adult.