Animal bites, even from pets, can be dangerous

Summertime and the warming climate in general usually bring about an increase in the number of animal bites reported to health authorities. As you might expect, the main culprits are dogs, but while cats are responsible for fewer bites, they are responsible for more infections.

And as people spend more time outdoors, they may be more likely to encounter wildlife, such as raccoons, skunks and foxes.

All this is to say that animal bites are nothing to be ignored. In the United States, there are between 2 million and 5 million bites each year, the vast majority of reported bites being caused by dogs, with the remainder caused by cats (5% to 10%) and rodents (2% to 3%). Children are bitten more often than adults.

Of course, most animal bites aren’t reported to authorities or treated in the ER or doctor’s office, so there are likely many more.

Here are some things to know about animal bites.

Cat bites can be more serious than dog bites

That cute little kitten may look harmless compared to a snarling dog, but if it bites or scratches you, watch out. The likelihood of a cat bite becoming infected is double of that of a dog bite, according to the World Health Organization.

Dogs’ teeth may be bigger, but cats’ slender, sharp fangs can penetrate a wound deeper, causing damage to tendons or ligaments. Cats don’t necessarily have more bacteria in their mouths, but, as self-groomers, their mouths are anything but clean. Women are the most frequent victims of cat bites.

Unvaccinated feral cats are dangerous, though they probably won’t let you come near. Among domestic cats, the most common cause for a bite is when they’re being medicated. If you’ve ever tried to get a cat to swallow a pill, you know this to be true.

If the vet prescribes a pill for your cat, have them demonstrate how to administer it. Better yet, ask if the medication comes in a liquid form that you can administer using a syringe.

Cat scratch disease is a thing

Cat scratch disease (CSD), also known as cat scratch fever or Bartonellosis, is a bacterial infection, most commonly transmitted through scratches or bites from cats, especially kittens, that have fleas carrying the bacteria. The bacteria can also be spread through exposure to cat saliva or flea bites.

CSD is rarely serious on its own, but those with weakened immune systems and children are more vulnerable. There are two telltale signs: swollen lymph nodes and bumps or cysts under the skin, usually near the wound. It usually goes away on its own, but if you develop fever or the infection seems to be spreading, get medical attention.

Rabies is nothing to laugh at

Rabies is a viral disease that is more common in wild animals (skunks, squirrels, raccoons, foxes) than domesticated ones, which are usually vaccinated. If you’re taking a nature walk and encounter wildlife, even though it’s cute and you want to share your granola, keep your distance. Rabies is also more common with a cat bite.

Though rabies cases in the U.S. are extremely rare, if you are bitten, you need immediate treatment.

Report animal bites

You should contact animal control or your local police if you are bitten by an animal that behaves in an odd way; an unknown pet or one that’s unvaccinated; or a stray or wild animal.

How to avoid animal bites

These tips seem like common sense, but they bear repeating, especially where children are concerned:

• Don't scream or run near an animal.

• Avoid eye contact.

• Don't have food out when a strange animal is nearby.

• Stand very still with your hands at your sides.

• Don't pet or catch a wild animal.

• Never bother an animal while it's eating.

• Never tease or chase an animal or pull its ears, tail or paws.

• Once the animal loses interest, slowly back away until you no longer see it.

• Walk away if an animal is growling. Don't run.

• If attacked, give the animal your jacket, book bag or anything you can put between you and it.

• If you fall down, curl into a ball with your hands over your ears and don't move. Try not to scream and roll around.

We love our companion animals, but keep this in mind: They are still just that — animals that may behave unpredictably.

• Teri (Dreher) Frykenberg is a board-certified patient advocate. A critical care registered nurse for 30+ years, she is founder of NShore Patient Advocates (www.NorthShoreRN.com). Her book, “How to Be a Healthcare Advocate for Yourself & Your Loved Ones,” is available on Amazon. She is offering a free phone consultation to Daily Herald readers; email her at teri@northshorern.com.