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Dog or Wildlife Bite? Here’s What To Do Next

We’ve heard it from childhood: if a dog bites you, you need a rabies shot. You probably wouldn’t approach an unknown animal—just in case. But what happens if, despite all caution, you do end up being bitten by an animal? I found out recently, and navigating the medical system and the follow-up wasn’t at all what I expected.

I was pretty stressed out, but I can say this: according to the Middlesex-London Health Unit, the risk of rabies transmission from a domesticated pet to a human is low. This is due in no small part to the mandatory vaccination of domestic pets, and organizations like PAWS that help make these vaccinations possible for pets in need.

Still, rabies is a serious disease that can have fatal consequences. So, what are you supposed to do if you’ve been bitten by a dog, a stray pet, or a wild animal? If the bite broke through your skin, you need to take it seriously. Here’s the information I wish I had when it happened to me.

1. Get to Safety First.

Getting to safety is truly your first priority. If you need to remove yourself from the situation to prevent further injury, do that before anything else.

2. Clean and Cover the Wound.

Apply pressure to stop the bleeding.
Clean the wound gently but thoroughly using soap and running water for a minimum of 15 minutes (this essential step can wash virus particles away).
Take a picture of the area. This may be needed for documentation.
Apply a clean bandage to the site.

3. Gather Information.

In order to manage the treatment and follow-up, record the following info if you can:

Time and place the bite occurred
Name of the animal (domestic pets)
Breed of animal (if known) or a general description
Animal’s vaccination status if available
Name, address, and phone number of the pet’s guardian

Don’t worry if you don’t know all of it. Any information will be helpful for follow-up.

4. Get Medical Advice.

The Health Unit states that anyone who has been potentially exposed to rabies should seek immediate medical attention. Exposure includes a bite from a mammal, coming into contact with animal saliva when you have a break in your skin such as a cut or scratch, or having any contact with a bat. Go to urgent care or a hospital emergency room as soon as possible.

Here’s what you can expect:

A form to fill out: Any rabies exposure that occurred in the City of London or to a resident of London or Middlesex County must be reported to the Health Unit. You’ll be asked to complete a form with details of what happened. Any details you gathered in step 2 will be helpful.
A tetanus shot: If yours isn’t up to date, or it’s unclear when you last had one, you will likely be told to get a tetanus shot.
A wound check: For general care and to determine if stitches are required.
A rabies exposure discussion: A rabies shot isn’t automatic. It’s at the discretion of the treating physician, and it depends on the circumstances:
- If the dog is known to you, the rabies risk is established by a 10-day quarantine, where the animal is confined to their home and watched for symptoms of rabies. If no signs are present at the 10-day mark, you’re in the clear. Note that the animal cannot be given rabies vaccine during these 10 days since it could impact results.
- If you don’t know the dog or it’s a wild animal, you may be given rabies vaccination(s) as a preventative measure when observation or testing isn’t possible. Be sure to provide any information you have about the animal to help in the decision-making process.
Before you leave it’s a good idea to note the name of the treating physician in case you’re asked later.

5. Report the Bite to the Public Health Unit (Same Day).

Although the medical care provider typically sends the reporting form to the Health Unit, you should report the bite yourself. You can find a copy of the reporting form on the Health Unit’s website, or you can leave a detailed message via email, fax, or phone. Be sure to include your contact information!

6. Care for the Wound and Prevent Infection.

Like any cut, keep the wound site clean and bandaged to keep it free from dirt. An antibiotic ointment can help prevent infection and speed healing. Avoid using alcohol after the initial cleaning: it will dry out the skin and slow the healing process.
Watch for any signs of infection. If you notice any cloudy discharge, swelling, red streaks spreading out from the area, increasing pain, or a fever, seek medical attention.

7. Follow Up After 10 Days.

If you were bitten by a domestic animal, you’ll need to confirm that the animal is healthy after the 10-day quarantine. If you know the pet’s guardian(s), you can contact them yourself. If you’ve reported the bite to the Health Unit, they may follow up as well. I contacted the Health Unit directly, and they gave me a definitive all-clear (all the more reason to report the bite yourself). What a relief!

It can be frightening to be bitten by an animal, and it can be confusing to sort out the steps involved in keeping yourself safe. Knowing what to do can help relieve some of that stress and make the experience a little more manageable.