# What should I do if bitten by a known pet? Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-to-do-if-bitten-by-a-known-pet Language: en Category: first_aid Publisher: ClinicsJo Published: 2026-09-13T17:52:51.601Z Content updated: 2026-09-13T17:52:51.601Z Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/what-to-do-if-bitten-by-a-known-pet If you have been bitten by a pet whose owner you know, the first and most essential step is to clean the wound immediately with soap and water for at least 15 minutes to reduce the risk of infection [\[4\]](). After that, the wound should be assessed to determine its severity and whether it requires immediate medical care. Even if the animal is known and vaccinated, there is still a possibility of bacterial infection or a need for evaluation for rabies or tetanus \[1, 2\]. ## Immediate First Aid for Pet Bites After being bitten by a pet, it is necessary to take immediate measures to care for the wound. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after touching the wound to avoid spreading infection [\[3\]](). Then, wash the wound itself with plenty of running water and soap for at least 15 minutes [\[4\]](). This helps remove saliva and bacteria from the wound. After washing, apply an antibiotic ointment and cover the wound with a clean bandage [\[3\]](). ## When Should You Seek Medical Help? You must seek medical help immediately in the following cases \[1, 2\]: - If the wound is deep, large, or bleeding profusely. - If the wound is in a sensitive area such as the face, neck, hands, or feet. - If signs of infection appear, such as redness, swelling, increasing pain, or pus oozing from the wound. - If you suffer from a weakened immune system (such as diabetic patients or those taking immunosuppressive drugs). - If you are unsure of the animal's rabies or tetanus vaccination status, or if you have not received a tetanus booster shot in the last ten years \[1, 2\]. - If the animal appears sick or is acting strangely [\[1\]](). ## Potential Infection Risks Pet bites, including those from dogs and cats, can cause several types of infection [\[1\]](). Among the most notable risks are: - **Bacterial infection:** Bacteria such as [Pasteurella spp.]() and [Capnocytophaga spp.]() are naturally found in the mouths of dogs and cats and can be transmitted to humans through bites or scratches, which may lead to serious illnesses such as sepsis (blood poisoning) in rare cases, especially in individuals with weak immune systems [\[1\]](). - **Rabies:** Although rabies is rare in vaccinated pets, it is a serious viral disease that is 100% fatal once symptoms appear [\[4\]](). The virus is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal, usually via bites or scratches [\[4\]](). Therefore, it is important to verify the animal's vaccination record [\[1\]](). - **Tetanus:** Tetanus bacteria can be transmitted to the wound from the environment, especially if the wound is deep and contaminated [\[1\]](). ## Communication with the Pet Owner and Authorities After caring for the wound, talk to the pet owner to obtain information about the animal's vaccination record, especially against rabies [\[1\]](). If the animal is vaccinated and has a good health record, this may reduce anxiety regarding rabies, but medical evaluation for any potential bacterial infection is still necessary [\[1\]](). In some cases, local health authorities may request that the animal be monitored to ensure it does not have rabies, even if it is vaccinated. ## Medical references - [Zoonotic Exposures: Bites, Scratches, and Other Hazards]() - [Animal Bites]() - [Animal bite - first aid - series--Procedure, part 1]() - [Rabies]() General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment. Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/what-to-do-if-bitten-by-a-known-pet#answer