When the Dog Bites… When the Cat Nips

As temperatures rise and outdoor activities increase, clinics across Canada—including ours at Destinations Travel and Immunization Clinic—see an uptick in animal bite-related visits. Whether it’s a nip from the family cat or a run-in with a stray dog, animal bites are more than just painful—they can carry serious infection risks, and in rare cases, the threat of rabies.

The Summer Spike in Animal Bites

Animal bites account for approximately 1% of emergency department visits each year, with dogs responsible for 90% and cats for 10%. While rural areas may see the occasional wildlife or farm animal bite, urban and suburban areas like ours mostly deal with dog and cat encounters.

First Line of Defense: Wound Care

According to emergency physician Dr. Michael Herman, the most critical step in bite management is immediate and thorough cleaning of the wound. That means:

• Irrigating the wound well with tap water or antiseptic
• Avoiding unnecessary closure (sutures), especially on high-risk areas like the hand
• Evaluating the need for antibiotics, particularly for cat bites, deep wounds, or immunocompromised individuals

Even if a bite seems minor, puncture wounds from cats often penetrate deep into soft tissue, creating a perfect environment for infection—patients frequently present days later with red, swollen, painful limbs.

Do I Need Antibiotics or a Tetanus Shot?

You might, depending on:

• Bite location (e.g., hand, face, near prosthetics)
• Depth of the wound
• Time since injury (delayed treatment raises risk)
• Health status (e.g., diabetes, cancer, immunosuppression)

Tetanus prophylaxis is recommended if your last booster was over 10 years ago.

Antibiotics may be prescribed in higher-risk bites—particularly cat bites, bites involving deep tissue, or those in high-risk patients.

When to Worry About Rabies

Canada hasn’t had a non-bat-related human rabies case since 1967. However, bats remain a risk, as do wild animals in certain provinces. Rabies prophylaxis (vaccine and immunoglobulin) is strongly recommended if:

• You’ve been bitten by a bat
• You woke up and discovered a bat in your room
• The biting animal displayed abnormal behaviour (e.g., foaming, paralysis, aggression)

Rabies risk in domestic animals (dogs, cats) is extremely low in Canada due to effective vaccination programs—but still not zero. When in doubt, consult a travel or infectious disease expert—like us.

When to Go to the Emergency Room vs. a Clinic

Go to the ER if:

The wound is large, gaping, or on the face
There are signs of infection (redness, pus, fever)
There’s limited movement or sensation near the bite

For cleaning, assessment, antibiotic prescription, travel advice, and rabies guidance, your local clinic is often the best first stop—and at Destinations Travel Clinic, we’re equipped to help with just that.

Bonus for Travellers: Know Before You Go

If you’re traveling to countries with a high risk of rabies, ask us about:

• Pre-exposure rabies vaccination
• What to do if you’re bitten abroad
• How to access post-exposure treatment when traveling

Even a small bite abroad can become a life-threatening issue without timely access to appropriate care.

Book your bite assessment or travel consult today.
We’re here to protect your health—at home and abroad.

Disclaimer: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only and is not to be used or relied upon for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information does not substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. Please do not initiate, modify, or discontinue any treatment, medication, or supplement solely based on this information. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider first. Full Disclaimer.