Pediatric Urgent Care for Dog and Cat Bites

At Pedi Center Urgent Care, we understand how stressful it can be if your child experiences an animal bite or scratch. Here are some important steps to follow:

Stay Calm and Provide First Aid:

If your child is bitten or scratched by a dog or cat, remain calm and comfort your child. Gently wash the wound thoroughly with soap and clean running water for several minutes to help minimize infection risk. After cleaning, pat the area dry with a clean towel, apply antibiotic ointment, and cover the wound with a sterile bandage.

Monitor the Injury Closely:

Keep a close eye on the wound for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth around the injury, tenderness, discharge, or fever. If you notice any of these symptoms, or if the wound is deep, bleeding excessively, or located on the face or hands, contact us at Pedi Center Urgent Care promptly for evaluation and treatment.

Check Immunization Status:

Animal bites and scratches can potentially expose your child to tetanus. Confirm that your child’s tetanus vaccinations are current. If you’re uncertain, our medical providers can review your child’s immunization records and administer a tetanus booster if needed.

Assess Risk of Infection:

Animal bites, especially cat bites, carry a higher risk of infection due to bacteria present in the animal’s mouth. Our providers may prescribe antibiotics as a preventive measure depending on the circumstances of the bite or scratch.

Document Animal Information:

If possible, gather information about the animal, including the owner’s contact details, vaccination status, and any history of aggressive behavior. If the animal appears stray or aggressive, or if rabies exposure is suspected, notify your local animal control or health department immediately.

Emotional Support for Your Child:

We believe that caring for your child’s emotional well-being is just as important as treating physical injuries. Animal bites and scratches can be traumatic experiences for children, and reassuring your child, providing comfort, and openly discussing their feelings are essential to their emotional recovery.

We’re here for you and your child. If you have any concerns or questions regarding an animal bite or scratch, don’t hesitate to contact us or visit us for prompt, compassionate care.

At pediatric urgent care, we understand how concerning animal bites can be for parents and caregivers. If your child has been bitten by a dog or cat, prompt and proper wound care is essential to lower the risk of infection and other complications. Here are our expert-recommended steps for caring for an animal bite at home before you visit our urgent care clinic:

1. Start by washing your own hands thoroughly with soap and warm water to avoid introducing germs into your child’s injury.
2. Gently rinse your child’s bite wound with clean, warm water. Use a mild soap to carefully remove dirt, bacteria, and animal saliva from the area. Avoid scrubbing too vigorously, as this may cause further irritation or damage the skin.
3. After washing, gently pat the wound dry with a clean towel or sterile gauze pad.
4. Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment to the cleaned wound to help prevent infection.
5. Cover the wound with a sterile bandage or gauze dressing, ensuring it is secure but not overly tight, allowing for good circulation.

Even after providing initial wound care at home, animal bites can still lead to complications such as infection, rabies exposure, or tetanus. Watch the wound closely for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, warmth, tenderness, or discharge.

We strongly encourage you to bring your child soon after an animal bite occurs. Our pediatric specialists are experienced in evaluating animal bites, determining the need for antibiotics, and reviewing your child’s immunization status to decide whether a tetanus booster or other preventive measures are necessary.

At Pedi Center Urgent Care, we understand that animal bites can be concerning for parents. If your child experiences a bite from a dog or cat, it’s important to carefully assess the injury and determine whether immediate medical attention is needed.

We recommend bringing your child right away if the bite is deep, causes heavy bleeding that doesn’t stop after applying direct pressure for several minutes, or is located on sensitive areas like the face, neck, hands, or near joints. These types of bites require prompt evaluation by our pediatric specialists to reduce the risk of infection, scarring, or other complications.

Additionally, seek immediate care at Pedi Center Urgent Care if your child shows signs of infection, such as rapid swelling, increasing redness, warmth around the bite, worsening pain, discharge or pus from the wound, or if your child develops a fever following the bite. It is also essential to consult with our healthcare providers if your child has not had a tetanus booster within the past five years or if you’re uncertain about the rabies vaccination status of the animal involved.

Children with underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, immune system deficiencies, or bleeding disorders may experience greater risks from animal bites and should always be evaluated promptly by our experienced pediatric team.

Even if the bite appears minor, if you have any concerns or uncertainties, it’s always best to bring your child. Our pediatric providers will ensure your child receives comprehensive care and appropriate treatment, minimizing the risk of infection and promoting quick healing. Reach out to us today to learn more about our services.

At Pedi Center Urgent Care, we frequently see children who have experienced dog bites or cat bites. It’s important for parents and caregivers to closely monitor the bite area for any signs of infection, as animal bites can easily introduce bacteria into your child’s skin.

Watch carefully for signs such as:

● Increased redness or swelling around the bite area, particularly if it worsens rather than improves over time.
● Warmth or tenderness around the wound site.
● Increased pain or discomfort that continues or intensifies.
● Discharge or pus from the bite wound, often yellowish or greenish, accompanied by an unpleasant odor.
● Fever or chills, which indicate that your child’s body is fighting an infection.
● Swollen lymph nodes near the bite location, such as those in the neck, armpit, or groin.

Additionally, pay attention to your child’s overall well-being. Symptoms such as lethargy, decreased appetite, or increased irritability can be signs of a more serious infection.

If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms following a dog or cat bite, it’s important to seek prompt medical evaluation. At Pedi Center Urgent Care, our pediatric specialists are here to quickly assess the injury, provide appropriate antibiotic treatment or other necessary interventions, and offer compassionate care to ensure your child’s health and comfort. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at Niles Street Bakersfield CA and Wible Road Bakersfield CA. We serve patients from Bakersfield CA, Maltha CA, Kayandee CA, Burness CA, Clovis CA, Panama CA, Alameda CA, and surrounding areas.