NewsHealth Tip: Preventing Rabies Keeping Your Family Safe From
Dog Bites Animal bites and scratches, even when they are minor,
can become infected and spread bacteria to other parts of the
body. Whether the bite is from a family pet or an animal in the
wild, scratches and bites can carry disease. Cat scratches, for
examples, even from a kitten can carry "cat scratch disease," a
bacterial infection. Other animals can transmit rabies and
tetanus. Bites that break the skin are even more likely to
become infected. Wash the wound with soap and water under
pressure from a faucet, but do not scrub because this bruises
the tissue. If the bite or scratch is bleeding, apply pressure
to it with a clean bandage or towel to stop the bleeding. Dry
the wound and cover it with a sterile dressing, but, do not use
tape or butterfly bandages. They can trap harmful bacteria in
the wound. Call your doctor or health care professional for
guidance in reporting the attack and to determine whether
additional treatment, such as antib