Symptom Checker

Animal and Human Bites

An animal or human bite is an injury caused by teeth breaking or crushing the skin. Even small bite wounds can extend deeper than they appear on the surface.

Dogs, cats, people and other animals can introduce bacteria into the wound. Some animal bites also create a risk of rabies, and any bite can raise questions about tetanus protection.

Call a nurse All symptoms

AAP Guide to Animal and Human Bites

The AAP guide below explains wound care, infection and rabies concerns, and when to bring your child in.

AAP Symptom CheckerAnimal and human bites

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When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

Any significant bite breaks the skin.
The bite is on the hand, face or another sensitive area.
A cat, human, stray animal or wild animal caused the bite.
The wound becomes increasingly red, swollen, painful or begins draining pus.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

Bleeding is heavy and cannot be controlled.
The bite caused severe tissue injury.
Your child has a severe allergic reaction or another life-threatening emergency.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

Hours, addresses and directions

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

Animal and Human Bites

AAP Guide to Animal and Human Bites

When to see a doctor

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

More on bites and stings