Animal bites are common injuries that can range from minor to severe, and knowing where to seek care is crucial. Should you head to an urgent care center, or is the ER more appropriate? This article will help you determine the best course of action based on the severity of the bite, what treatments you might need, and how OnERCall can provide guidance in making the right decision.

When to Go to Urgent Care for an Animal BiteUrgent care centers are well-equipped to handle many types of animal bites, especially those that are minor. Consider going to urgent care if the bite:

Is Small and Superficial: If the bite doesn’t break the skin deeply or is more of a scratch.Comes from a Vaccinated Pet: If you’re bitten by a pet with a known vaccination history and the wound is not severe.Involves Only Minor Bleeding: If the bleeding stops quickly with pressure and the wound isn’t deep.Is on a Limb: Such as an arm or leg, and doesn’t affect areas like the face or joints.Needs a Tetanus Shot: If your last tetanus shot was more than five years ago, an urgent care center can provide the booster.Shows No Signs of Infection: If the bite occurred recently and there’s no redness, warmth, swelling, or pus.

Urgent care centers can clean and dress wounds, provide antibiotics if needed, and administer tetanus shots.When to Go to the ER for an Animal BiteCertain animal bites require immediate emergency care, particularly when the injury is severe or when there’s a higher risk of infection or other complications. Head to the ER if the bite:

Is Deep or Causing Severe Bleeding: If the wound is deep, gaping, or if you can’t stop the bleeding after applying pressure for 10 minutes.Is on the Face, Neck, or Head: Bites in these areas require careful attention due to the risk of damage to important structures and the potential for scarring.Involves a Wild or Stray Animal: Especially if the animal’s vaccination status is unknown, as there’s a higher risk of rabies.Causes Loss of Function: If you have trouble moving the affected area, or if the bite is near a joint or tendon.Shows Signs of Infection: If the wound is red, swollen, warm, or oozing pus, or if you develop a fever.Is from a Potentially Rabid Animal: Any bite from a bat, raccoon, skunk, or fox, or any animal acting strangely, should be evaluated in the ER due to the risk of rabies.Involves a Child: Children are more susceptible to severe bites, especially on the face, and should be taken to the ER for any significant bite.

In the ER, doctors can perform more advanced treatments, such as stitching deep wounds, providing stronger antibiotics, or administering rabies vaccinations if necessary.How OnERCall Can Help You DecideIf you’re unsure whether to visit urgent care or the ER for an animal bite, OnERCall can provide immediate medical advice. Our US-licensed, board-certified Emergency Medicine physicians are available 24/7 to assess your situation and recommend the best course of action. With OnERCall, you can avoid unnecessary trips and ensure that you’re getting the right level of care. Download the OnERCall app today and have peace of mind knowing that expert medical guidance is just a call away.