Health Tip: Caring for an Animal Bite

No one is able to prevent all animal bites, so it's important to know what to do if you are bitten by a dog or cat.

The American Academy of Family Physicians offers this advice:

• Carefully wash the area with soap and warm water.
• Stop any bleeding by applying a clean towel.
• Cover the wound with a sterile bandage.
• Elevate the area above the heart to reduce swelling and the risk of infection.
• Apply antibiotic ointment twice daily until healed.
• If appropriate, call your doctor and local authorities.