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.
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.
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.
Around 3% 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. Rate bites are more common in the warmer months.
Because all animal bites could become infected, take your child to the doctor if they have had an animal bite.
Before you see the doctor, you can control any bleeding by putting pressure on the wound. Do not put on any ointments or begin treatment with any kind of medicine before seeing the doctor.
In most cases, take your child to a doctor as soon as possible after any animal bite.
Take your child to the closest emergency department if:
Phone 111 within New Zealand for an ambulance (use the appropriate emergency number in other countries) if:
Depending on where the animal bite is and how bad it is, the doctor may:
Once your child has seen the doctor, you will get advice on how to care for their wound.
Keep a close eye on your child’s bite wound and see a doctor again if:
Check out the KidsHealth page on skin infections for more advice on how to manage them [2]
After a bad experience with an animal bite, some tamariki may be scared to be around animals. If you feel like your child is anxious or is having nightmares or flashbacks after their animal bite, ask your doctor for support. Your doctor can arrange psychological support for your child through ACC.
Find out more about Rongoā Māori medical practitioners that are available through ACC. [4]
Your child should take at least one day off after starting treatment (such as antibiotics). Check with your doctor how long they recommend.
It is important to teach your child how to approach and handle pets. Here are some things you can do:
This page last reviewed 05 May 2023.
Email us [6] your feedback
Links
[1] https://kidshealth.org.nz/cuts-scratches-grazes
[2] https://kidshealth.org.nz/skin-infections-what-do
[3] http://www.acc.co.nz/im-injured/types-of-ongoing-support/counselling-therapy/
[4] http://www.acc.co.nz/im-injured/what-we-cover/using-rongoaa-maaori-services
[5] https://www.dogsafety.govt.nz/
[6] https://kidshealth.org.nz/contact?from=http%3A%2F%2Fkidshealth.org.nz%2Fprint%2F2784