The most common animal bites are from dogs and cats. Less common, but often more dangerous, are bites from skunks, raccoons, bats and other animals that live in the wild. The health risks include: rabies, bleeding, infection, Lyme Disease and lockjaw (tetanus).

PREVENTION
Never leave a small child alone with a dog or cat.
Teach children not to tease an animal. Tell them not to wave sticks, throw stones or pull a tail.
Do not move suddenly or scream around an animal.
Leave dogs and cats alone while they are eating or sleeping.
Do not feed wild animals with your hands.
Do not pick up a sick or injured animal.
Do not run from a strange dog.

To prevent Lyme Disease:
Wear long pants tucked into socks and long-sleeve shirts when walking through fields and forests.
Inspect for ticks.

SIGNS
Bleedings, redness, swelling, pain, and bruising at the side of the bite.

FIRST AID
Wash the bite area immediately with soap and warm water for 5 minutes to remove any saliva and other debris. If the bite is deep, flush the wound with water for ten minutes to protect against infection. Dry the wound with a clean towel.
If the wound is swollen, apply ice wrapped in a towel for ten minutes.
Take over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve the pain.

FOR DEER TICK BITES:
Remove any ticks found on the skin. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible. Pull gently and carefully in a steady upward motion at the point where the tick's mouthpart enters the skin. Try not to crush the tick because the secretions released may spread disease.
Wash the wound area and your hands with soap and water after removing ticks.
Save the tick in a closed jar of alcohol. It could help in diagnosing Lyme Disease.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY!
IT'S IMPORTANT TO HAVE DOCTOR CHECK THE BITE.
You may need a tetanus shot or antibiotics.

CALL IMMEDIATELY FOR EMERGENCY MEDICAL ASSISTANCE IF:
You are having trouble talking, walking, or breathing.
You are having trouble swallowing and your jaw and neck are stiff.