Animal Bites

Facts about animal bites:
  • Every year in the United States, animals bite nearly five million people.
  • Almost one in five of those who are bitten require medical attention, half of these are children.
  • Most children who are bitten are between the ages of
    5 – 9. 
  • Male adults are more likely to be bitten than females.
How to avoid a bite:
  • Look for warning signs:
    • Aggressive: hackles up, growling or barking, ears erect, body stiff or tense, stiff-legged stance with tail held high and possibly moving rapidly.
    • Frightened: ears back, body crouched, head held low, and tail tucked between his legs.
  • Never touch or approach an animal you don't know to be friendly.
  • Never threaten or tease any animal.
  • Even a small dog or cat can inflict a painful bite.
​If you or someone you are with is bitten or scratched by an animal:
  • Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and warm water.
  • Apply a sterile dressing.
  • Seek immediate medical help. Ask the physician about a tetanus booster and/or rabies vaccination.
  • Remember as many details as possible. Write down a description of the animal, time and location of the incident and try to remember where the dog went (if it was not your own animal who inflicted the bite).
  • Anchorage law requires that all animal bites be reported to the Animal Care and Control. Call 343-8119 to make a report. The animal will need to be quarantined for rabies observation..