First Aid for Families

If your child has received a bite, immediately check to see if the skin has been broken, as open wounds are at greater risk for infection.

• If the skin is not broken, apply a cold compress (use a layer of some material before applying ice). If the bite is from an animal, notify the owner of the animal or proper authorities if the animal is wild.
  
  
• If the skin is broken, wash the wound thoroughly with antiseptic soap and water, and then apply direct pressure to control bleeding. Seek medical attention for this type of bite. If the animal that bit your child is domesticated, contact animal control or police. If it is a wild animal, do not try and capture or kill it—instead, contact your local government agency for advice.

If the animal is poisonous, get the victim to an ED as soon as possible. Do not elevate this type of injury as it may quicken the rate of infection.