Almost every pet owner has been bitten by his or her animal at some point in time. Even a bite from a small pet, such as a hamster, bird or ferret can be dangerous if the skin is broken.
Bacteria commonly found in animal saliva can infect the wound, and enter your blood stream and cause an infection. The very first step you should take is to wash the area with warm water and an antibacterial soap. Wash the area in a circular motion, sweeping outwards from the wound. If you scrub back and forth, you are only driving any bacteria further into the wound and introducing bacteria already on your skin into the bite. By making outward sweeps, you are effectively moving the bacteria AWAY from the wound site. If there is bleeding, apply pressure to help the blood coagulate. Place a sterile bandage loosely but securely to prevent bacteria from entering.
There are several herbs you can use in the treatment of bites, as well! Goldenseal placed on the bite is a natural antibiotic and Vitamin C helps fight infections. Dabbing the area with organic apple cider vinegar can help prevent infections, as well as a teaspoon of juice from basil leaves with a little bit of water. Just don’t "combine" treatments. Choose the method you wish to try. If one method does not work, you can try another method several hours later.
If the bite mark becomes red, swollen and painful, there is a good chance it is infected. If this occurs, you need to see a doctor immediately. They will give you antibiotics and a tetanus shot.
If your bite came from a wild animal, such a squirrel, feral cat, opossum or other type of rodent, you need to go to the Emergency Room immediately! Wild animals often carry rabies and this disease easily infects humans. If possible, try to catch the animal, but don’t risk another bite trying to do this! If you are able to catch it, a rabies test can be given to the animal to see if they are a carrier. Otherwise, you will be subject to a rabies test and treatment if infected.