Want to Pet that Dog? Pause Before You Pet
Before you reach out to pet a dog, learn simple safety tips that help prevent bites and keep everyone safe.
A trip to the park is a great way for families and pets to get exercise and enjoy the outdoors. While it's fun to see animals, it's important to stay safe. If your child sees a dog, cat, or wild animal they don't know, remind them to look from a distance and not try to touch it.
Children are naturally curious and may want to pet a friendly-looking animal. But even calm animals can bite or scratch if they feel scared or surprised. Sudden movements, loud noises, or getting too close can make an animal react.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 4.5 million dog bites happen each year in the United States, and more than half of the people bitten are children. Bites from wild animals are much less common, but they can still be serious.
It's important to teach children never to touch wild animals or other people's pets they aren't familiar with. You don't know what diseases they may carry.
If you see an animal acting strangely or aggressively, contact local police, animal control, or wildlife officials. When meeting a pet dog, teach children to:
- Always ask the owner before petting.
- Let the dog see and sniff them first.
- Stay calm and move slowly.
- Avoid bothering a dog that is eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies.
What to Do If an Animal Bites You
- Call your health care provider. Tell them whether the animal was a pet, a stray, or a wild animal.
- Wash the wound right away. Use soap and water and gently clean the area for 15 minutes.
- Follow your provider's instructions. They may recommend medicine, vaccines, an office visit, or a trip to the Emergency Department.
Go to the Emergency Department If You:
- Were bitten by a wild animal.
- Were bitten by a stray animal or an animal with an unknown rabies vaccination history.
- Have a deep wound, heavy bleeding, or think you may need stitches.
- Were bitten by a large dog with a strong bite.
- Notice signs of infection, such as:
- Pus or drainage
- Red streaks around the wound
- More pain or swelling
- Fever
- Warm skin around the bite
- Trouble moving the injured area
What Is Rabies?
Rabies is a serious virus that affects the brain and spinal cord. It spreads through the bite or saliva of an infected animal. Animals most often linked to rabies include bats, raccoons, skunks, and unvaccinated dogs.
Why Quick Treatment Matters
Rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms begin. That's why it's important to get medical care right away after a bite from a wild animal or a stray dog or cat.
If you've been bitten, contact your doctor or visit the Emergency Department as soon as possible. When in doubt, it's always best to have an animal bite checked out.
MetroHealth Emergency Departments can provide treatment after possible rabies exposure, including rabies medications and tetanus shots when needed.
If you have questions about an animal bite, seek medical care right away.
In Case of Emergency, Take Me to MetroHealth.
As the most experienced Level I Trauma Center in Northeast Ohio, MetroHealth delivers life-saving care when seconds count. Call 911 for all emergencies.
MetroHealth is here for you with four Emergency Departments ready to respond in Brecksville, Cleveland Heights, Cleveland (Main Campus), and Parma.
Your Questions Answered
Q. Is it safe to pet a dog I don't know?
A. Always ask the owner before petting a dog. Let the dog see and sniff you first, and approach calmly. Even friendly dogs may bite if they feel scared or startled.
Q. What should I do if my child is bitten by an animal?
A. Wash the bite with soap and water for 15 minutes and call your health care provider right away. They can tell you if your child needs additional treatment or should be seen in the Emergency Department.
Q. When should I worry about rabies?
A. Seek medical care immediately if the bite came from a wild animal, a stray animal, or an animal whose rabies vaccination status is unknown. Rabies is a serious disease, and treatment works best when started as soon as possible.
