(801) 442-2000
36 S. State Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84111Map

InstaCare Online

Animal Bite, Minor

Bleeding: For any bleeding, apply continuous pressure for 10 minutes.
Cleansing: Wash all wounds immediately with soap and water for 5 minutes. Scrub the wound enough to make it re-bleed a little. Also, flush vigorously under a faucet for a few minutes (Reason: can prevent many wound infections).
Antibiotic ointment: Apply an antibiotic ointment (e.g., Bacitracin) to the bite 3 times a day for three days.
Pain Medication: For pain relief, take acetaminophen every 4-6 hours (Adults 650 mg) OR ibuprofen every 6-8 hours (Adults 400 mg).
- Do not take ibuprofen if you have stomach problems, kidney disease, or other contraindications to using this type of anti-inflammatory drug.
- Do not take acetaminophen if you have liver disease.
- Read the package instructions thoroughly on all medications that you take.
Expected Course: Most scratches, scrapes and other minor bites heal up fine in 3 to 5 days.
IF your symptoms become worse: Review Should I Call? recommendations.