Risks often underestimated animal bites not to take lightly

Do not underestimate bites from animals

Bites from dogs or cats are often dismissed as harmless injuries. But they can have dire consequences. Animal bites are associated with a significant risk of infection. Every year, tens of thousands of Germans have to be treated for medical treatment.

Animal bites are associated with a significant risk of infection

The dangers of animal bites should not be underestimated. According to the Unfallkasse Berlin (UKB), between 30,000 and 50,000 people are treated nationwide every year for dog bites alone. "Animal bites are always associated with a significant risk of infection," the experts write in a brochure. In extreme cases, they can even be fatal.

Animal bites should not be taken lightly. Due to dog bites alone, up to 50,000 Germans are treated every year. (Image: Grubärin / fotolia.com)

Violation of the tissue

Also animal bites with a seemingly minor skin injury should not be taken lightly. The injury to the tissue is hard to estimate for laymen.

"Especially with dog bites must not be closed by a harmless outer aspect of the bite injury on minor tissue damage in depth!" Warns the German Social Accident Insurance (DGUV) in a leaflet.

Since a bite from an animal can quickly ignite, a medical examination is generally recommended if the skin injury exceeds a simple scratch or impression.

Infection can be fatal

"Especially cat bites are usually deep and therefore prone to a higher extent to a subsequent infection," explains trauma surgeon Josef Mischo, President of the Medical Association of the Saarland, in a message from the news agency dpa.

"Up to half of all bite injuries can be found in the hand and wrist area. If there are remaining functional restrictions in this area, this has serious consequences for the further quality of life, "warns the UKB.

"In addition, a tetanus infection (tetanus) or a rabies disease can be fatal," say the experts.

If in doubt, see a doctor

In case of doubt, bitten persons should always go to the doctor and in any case check the vaccination against tetanus. This vaccine has to be refreshed after ten years.

As an immediate measure, the wound should be rinsed thoroughly with plenty of saline / water to minimize germination.

Then cover the injury with a sterile dressing or plaster. The pain can be relieved with local cooling. After initial treatment, the injured person should seek medical attention immediately. (Ad)