Children should be taught to be wary of unfamiliar dogs or cats, and should not be left alone with any pet. If a child is bitten, scrub the bite area well with soap and water for a few minutes, and apply an antibiotic ointment. Notify the animal control authority, sheriff or police. Dogs and cats should be confined for 10 days of observation even if the rabies shots are up to date. Call the office for severe bites, deep cuts, or signs of infection.

Signs of wound infection include yellow fluid drainage, redness of surrounding skin, red streaks radiating from the wound, increasing pain, or significant fever.