Key points about animal bites in children
- dog, cat and rat bites are more commonly in tamariki than adults
- tamariki are most commonly bitten by their own dog or dogs they know
- cat bites are more likely to become infected than dog bites but any animal bite can become infected
- take your child to a health professional for a check after any animal bite
Take your child to a health professional for a check after any animal bite.
Who gets animal bites
All tamariki are at risk of an animal bite. Dog bites are more common in tamariki under 5 years of age. Cat bites are more common in tamariki than adults.
Types of animal bites
Dog bites
Up to 90% of animal bites are from dogs. Younger tamariki are most likely to get dog bites on their head and neck. This is most likely because a young child's head is at the level of a large dog's mouth. Dog bites can be scratches, puncture wounds, deep cuts, crush injuries or skin tears.
Cat bites
Around 5% to 10% of animal bites are from cats. Tamariki usually get cat bites on their hands and arms when playing with a cat. Cat bites can be scratches or deep puncture wounds.
Rodent bites
A small number of animal bites are from rodents like rats. Rat bites are common in tamariki 5 years or younger. Tamariki mostly get rat bites on their hands or faces. Rat bites are more common in the warmer months.
See the page on cuts, scratches and grazes for more information on different types of wounds.
Cuts, Scratches & Grazes In Children
Managing your child's animal bite
If your child gets bitten by an animal, take them to a health professional. All animal bites can get infected.
If the wound is bleeding, press firmly on it to help stop the bleeding while you wait to see a health professional.
Rinse the wound with clean running water if you can. Do not put ointments or medicines on the wound before seeing a health professional.
When to get medical help for your child's animal bite
Take your child to a health professional as soon as possible after any animal bite.
Take your child to the nearest emergency department if:
- the bleeding is heavy or you cannot stop it
- the wound is wide or deep
- the bite is on the head, face, ears, hand, foot or genitals
- the bite is over a joint
When to call 111
Call 111 in New Zealand and ask for urgent medical help if:
- the animal bite looks serious
- your child is unconscious or has difficulty breathing
- your child looks very unwell
- you are worried
Treating an animal bite
Depending on where the animal bite is and how bad it is, your health professional may:
- clean the wound and remove loose skin
- take a swab of the wound
- use stitches to close the wound
- prescribe a course of antibiotics for your child
- recommend or prescribe some pain relief
- recommend a tetanus vaccination
- send your child for an x-ray to check for any bone damage
- refer your child to the hospital specialists if they suspect any damage to nerves or tendons
- give you advice on how to keep the wound clean
- ask you to bring your child back again for another check of the wound
- refer your child for counselling if your child's mental wellbeing has been affected
Signs to look out for after an animal bite
Once your child has seen a health professional, you will get advice on how to care for their wound.
Keep a close eye on your child’s bite wound and see a health professional again if:
- you notice increasing redness, swelling or pain
- the area becomes warm to touch
- red streaks develop
- there is a coloured or smelly discharge
- your child has any new loss of feeling, numbness or they can't move the affected area or limb
- the wound has not healed after 2 weeks
Skin Infections In Children - What To Do
Emotional and mental wellbeing after an animal bite
After a bad experience with an animal bite, some tamariki may be scared to be around animals. If your child seems anxious or has nightmares or flashbacks after an animal bite, see a health professional. Your health professional can arrange psychological support for your child through ACC.
See the ACC website for more information on accessing counselling and therapy sessions for your child. You can also find out more about Rongoā Māori medical practitioners that are available through ACC.
Taking time off after an animal bite
Your child may need some time off school or childcare, especially if the bite is painful or needs treatment such as antibiotics. Check with your health professional.
Preventing animal bites
It is important to teach your child how to approach and handle pets. Here are some things you can do:
- never leave tamariki alone with a cat or dog
- teach tamariki how to handle animals gently and kindly
- remind tamariki not to disturb an animal that is sleeping
- avoid touching animals that don’t know you or your child
- teach your child to ask the animal’s owner if it is OK to pat them first
- avoid approaching stray animals or animals that look aggressive
- do not disturb cats and dogs that have kittens and puppies with them - they may become aggressive if they fear their young are at risk
See the Department of Internal Affairs Dog Safety website for more information about dogs and keeping tamariki safe.
