Step 1
- Apply pressure over the bite with a clean cloth if there is bleeding. Wear gloves if available.
Step 2
- Wash wound with lots of soapy water.
Step 3
- Cover with a clean bandage or cloth.
Serious Bites, Concern for Rabies
- Bites should be seen by a medical professional within 6 hours. If the wound is deep and will not stop bleeding, the area is crushed, or is on the face, hand, or foot, you should go to an Emergency Room immediately.
- Call Animal Control for help to observe a pet animal or to capture and observe other animals. A veterinarian should evaluate an ill, aggressive, wild, or dead animal that has bitten a person and should work with the Allegheny County Health Department for rabies concerns.
- It is helpful to give a description of the animal to your doctor, veterinarian, or the health department. If you know the animal’s owner, ask his/her name, phone number, and address. Ask about the animal’s vaccinations and veterinarian’s name and phone number.
Facts about Rabies
Rabies is a deadly virus spread to people and animals from the saliva of infected animals. Rabies infection is a concern if domestic pets are not vaccinated and are in contact with other warm-blooded animals. Rabies is a concern for bites from several wild animals; for example, raccoons, skunks, bats, foxes, and others. Rabies vaccinations (shots) can save a life after a bite from a rabid animal.