Animal and Human Bites

Preparing For Your Appointment

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:

• When did the bite occur?
• Where were you when the bite occurred?
• How did the bite occur? Describe what happened.
• Were you bitten by a domestic pet or a wild animal?
  • Do you know the animal, or was it a stray?
  • Was the animal acting strangely?
  • Is the animal safely secured?
  • Have you notified your local animal control department?
• Was the bite provoked?
• What are your main symptoms?
• What home treatment measures have you tried? Did they help? Be sure to include any nonprescription medicines you have taken or used. Did they help?
• When was your last tetanus shot?
• Do you have any health risks?

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: June 10, 2008
Medical Review:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine Steven L. Schneider, MD - Family Medicine
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