52913 DHS safety flip chart 6/1/05 4:27 PM Page 17

❏ Dog and Other Animal Bites

( Activate emergency medical services (911) if the following signs are

present:

• Cold, clammy, pale skin;

• Rapid, weak pulse;

• Rapid breathing or shortness of breath;

• Dizziness, or extreme weakness;

➔ Wash your hands. If the wound is bleeding, put on gloves;

➔ Gently clean the wound with soap and water, rinse with fresh water;

➔ Cover the wound with a bandage;

➔ If this is a bleeding injury see “Infection Control Measures” in this

flipchart;

➔ Notify parents and recommend attention by the health care provider.

The bite of any animal, wild or a pet carries the risk of infection;

➔ Report all dog, cat, or wild animal bites to local rabies and animal con-
trol services;

➔ Try to identify, describe, or isolate the animal without placing yourself in

jeopardy. Never attempt to capture an animal with which you are unfa-
miliar. If the animal must be destroyed, try to avoid damaging the brain.
Brain tissue samples are needed to identify the presence of rabies infec-
tion.

Document the event, actions taken, calls made and follow-up informa-
tion in the child’s file with a duplicate copy to the parent. Child care pro-
grams should notify their licensing or certifying agency of a dog, cat or
wild animal bite.

F-4 Back