Here’s a must read for you dog and cat owners out there. ‘Cause no matter how cute and cuddly your pets may be, there are times when their animal instincts just come out. It might be just because they got scared or felt threatened but the fact is they bite. Getting bit is no small matter. You just might be risking any of the following:

• Rabies
• Bleeding
• Infection

Here are steps in giving first aid to an animal bite victim:

1. Calm the victim down. Oftentimes the most, neglected part of first aid, it helps you to easily attend to the wound. Plus, a slower heart rate also slows down the progression of possible infection that may have entered the bloodstream.
2. Survey the wound if it’s a minor scratch or a deep wound.
3. Wash your hands before and after attending to the wound. If possible, wear latex gloves.
4. If it’s a minor wound, wash the wound with soap and water. Apply an antibiotic cream to prevent infection. Bandage the wound.
5. For deep wounds, apply pressure above the wound with a clean bandage/cloth to stop the bleeding. Seek medical help.
6. You may apply ice if there is any swelling.
7. Check the nature of the animal. If it’s a pet, know whether it’s immunized or not.
8. If the animal is immunized, know the date of immunization. This is helpful information for the doctor.
9. If the animal is a wild animal or has not been immunized, call your local animal control department. Tell them to check for the next ten days if the animal turns rabid.

Seek professional medical help, ASAP. First aid should not substitute for professional medical attention. The victim might be required to be sutured (for deep lacerated wounds) and/or take tetanus shots. Any information about animal (immunization, behavior) and the victim (medical history) should also be relayed to the doctor.