Emergency Treatment for Animal and Insect Bites

You should seek emergency treatment for animal and insect bites and stings, because you may be at risk for infection or have a severe reaction.

Animal Bites

Most animal bites that are more than just a scratch require emergency care because of their high risk of infection. If the animal was a wild animal or stray, regardless of the severity of the injury, there are additional risks that require immediate evaluation. If the animal’s owner is available, be sure to ask if the animal’s rabies shots are up-to-date.

Seek prompt medical attention if:

  • Wound is a deep puncture

  • Skin is badly torn or crushed

  • Blood spurts from wound

  • Bleeding is severe

  • Can’t be stopped after 15 minutes of firm and steady pressure

  • Redness, inflammation and fever after injury

  • May indicate an infection

You should also seek emergency care if there is a concern for rabies, if you haven’t had a tetanus shot in the past 5 years, and if you have a weakened immune system from diabetes, liver disease, cancer, HIV infection or medications.

What Can You Do?

While you are waiting for medical treatment, you can:

  • Call 911 for deep wounds and excessive bleeding

  • Wash the bite area with soap and water

  • Apply pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth

  • Apply antibiotic treatment if bleeding has stopped

  • Cover area with a bandage or sterile gauze

  • Offer acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain

Insect Bites

Many reactions to insect bites and stings are mild, causing little more than redness, itching, stinging or minor swelling. Occasionally, insect bites and stings, such as from a bee, a wasp, a hornet, a fire ant or a scorpion, can result in severe reactions.

The most serious symptoms associated with insect bites and stings include:

Allergic Reaction

If your throat feels like it is closing up, and you develop a rash on your skin or you feel your face swelling up, it is a sign that your body is having a severe reaction to an insect bite.

Fever and Chills

If your temperature rises noticeably after an insect bite, you should go to an emergency room (ER) right away. Fever can develop, for example, in response to tick bites, and may cause a serious infection like Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

Breathing Difficulties

Any breathing difficulties after an insect bite should be responded to immediately. If you are experiencing shortness of breath, wheezing or tightness in the chest, it could be a sign of a serious reaction.

Other symptoms associated with severe bites or stings include:

  • Swelling of the lips, eyelids or throat

  • Dizziness, faintness or confusion

  • Rapid Heartbeat

  • Hives

  • Rash and itching

  • Nausea, cramps or vomiting

Also note that children who have been stung by a scorpion should get immediate emergency treatment.

Man applying over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream on a mosquito bite

What Can You Do?

While you are waiting for medical treatment, you can:

  • Call 911 if there are no signs of breathing or swelling of the lips or tongue.

  • Don’t offer anything to drink.

  • Loosen tight clothing.

  • Cover the person with a blanket.

  • Turn the person to the side if vomiting to prevent choking.

  • Have the person take an over-the-counter antihistamine (as directed on bottle), if possible.

  • Check for special medications, like an EpiPen, to treat a severe allergic reaction and prevent anaphylactic shock.

Sources
  1. https://www.cdc.gov/rmsf/pdf/RMSFInfographic.pdf
  2. https://www.medexpress.com/services-and-treatment/bites-stings.html

FAQs About Emergency Treatment for Animal and Insect Bites

What are the signs of infection after an animal or insect bite?

If you notice increasing redness, warmth, swelling around the bite, or if the wound begins to drain pus, it could be a sign of infection. Other symptoms include fever or chills and red streaks extending from the bite. If any of these signs appear, it’s important to seek care immediately. At The Emergency Center, we can clean the wound, administer antibiotics, and provide any necessary treatments to prevent further infection.

Should I be concerned about a tick bite?

Yes, tick bites can transmit multiple diseases, including Lyme disease. If you notice a rash with a bullseye pattern, or if you experience fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms after being bitten by a tick, you should seek medical attention. At The Emergency Center, our board-certified physicians will assess the bite, remove the tick safely if necessary, and provide treatments or preventive care to minimize the risk of disease.

What should I do if my child gets bitten by an animal or insect?

If your child is bitten by an animal or insect, it’s important to stay calm and assess the situation. Clean the bite with soap and water, apply pressure to stop bleeding, and cover the area with a clean bandage. Monitor for signs of infection or allergic reactions, such as swelling, redness, or difficulty breathing. If you notice any concerning symptoms or if the bite is from a wild or stray animal, bring your child to The Emergency Center for immediate care.

What should I do if I get bitten by a stray or wild animal?

If you’re bitten by a stray or wild animal, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. These animals can carry diseases such as rabies. Clean the wound with soap and water, apply pressure to stop bleeding, and cover it with a clean bandage. At The Emergency Center, we will take care of the wound, check for signs of infection, and provide the appropriate treatments to prevent complications.

What should I do if I get bitten by a venomous insect or animal?

If you are bitten by a venomous animal or insect, such as a snake, spider, or fire ant, it’s important to get to The Emergency Center as quickly as possible. Venomous snake bites in Texas can be life-threatening, requiring the administration of antivenom and other treatments. Spider bites from species like the black widow or brown recluse may lead to severe reactions, including muscle cramps, sweating, or necrosis of the skin. In the case of fire ants, multiple stings can cause severe allergic reactions. We can provide pain management, antivenom, or other necessary treatments based on the type of bite.


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