Dog and Cat Bites: Why They Need a Same-Day Look

A dog bite or cat bite that breaks the skin should be looked at the same day, even if it seems small. Animal mouths carry bacteria, and a bite pushes them deep under the skin, where a wound can look fine for a few hours and then become infected. A same-day visit lets a clinician clean the wound properly, decide whether you need antibiotics, check your tetanus protection and think through rabies risk.

We treat animal bites and stings at all four AfterOurs clinics, open into the evening. Here's what to do in the first few minutes, and how to tell when a bite is getting worse.

What should I do right after a dog bite?

• Get away from the animal safely first.
• Wash the bite with soap and plenty of running water for several minutes, even if it's only a puncture.
• If it's bleeding, press on it with a clean cloth until it slows, then cover it with a clean bandage.
• Find out what you can about the animal: whose it is, whether its rabies vaccination is current, and how to reach the owner. A photo of the vaccination tag or record helps.
• Take off rings or watches near a hand bite before it swells.

Then get it seen the same day. Don't wait to see whether it gets infected.

Why are cat bites so easy to underestimate?

A cat's teeth are thin and sharp. They leave small puncture wounds that close over quickly on the surface, trapping bacteria deep inside, sometimes close to a tendon or joint. That is why a cat bite that looks like two tiny dots can become red, swollen and painful within hours. Cat bites to the hand are a particular reason to come in promptly. Deep scratches from a cat deserve the same care.

Dog bites tend to be larger and can crush or tear tissue as well as puncture it. Either kind of bite can get infected, and bites on the hands, feet, face or over a joint carry the most risk.

Signs of a dog bite infection

Come in, or come back, if you notice any of these in the hours or days after a bite:

• Redness that is spreading outward from the bite
• Swelling, warmth or pain that gets worse instead of better
• Pus or cloudy fluid from the wound
• Red streaks running up the arm or leg
• Fever or chills
• Trouble moving a finger or joint near the bite

These apply to cat bites too, and they can show up sooner.

What happens at an urgent care visit for a bite?

A clinician looks at how deep the bite is and where it is, checks the nerves, tendons and movement nearby, and cleans the wound thoroughly. Depending on what they find, they can discuss antibiotics, whether the wound should be closed or left open to heal, and whether you're due for a tetanus shot. Bite wounds are often handled differently from clean cuts, so expect the clinician to explain their reasoning.

They'll also ask about the animal. A pet whose rabies vaccination is up to date and who can be watched afterwards is a very different situation from a stray or a wild animal. When rabies is a real concern, the clinician will assess the risk and refer you on for further care if it's needed. In Colorado, rabies is found mostly in wildlife such as bats and skunks, and animal bites are generally reported to local animal control or public health, who can help confirm a pet's vaccination status.

You'll leave with instructions for caring for the wound and clear signs to watch for. Follow-up is common with bites, especially on the hand.

What does a bite visit cost?

We contract with all major commercial and government plans, including Colorado Medicaid and Medicare. We can't guarantee that every commercial plan has us in network, and if your visit turns out to be out of network or your benefits are denied, you pay our self-pay rates instead. Self-pay in-clinic visits are $175, $250 with one moderate service like a Tdap, or $330 for a procedure, and never more than $330. The cost and insurance page has the details.

Call 911 or go to the ER if… bleeding won't slow with firm pressure; the bite is deep on the face, neck, hand or over a joint with numbness, or you can't move a finger; bone or tendon is visible; there are many bites from a serious attack; you've had any contact with a bat, or were bitten by a wild or unvaccinated animal that can't be observed; or a bite is red and swollen and you have a high fever or feel very unwell. If an animal is still a danger, call 911.

Where to find us

Four clinics across metro Denver, all ages welcome, se habla español:

• Hampden (Southeast Denver): 8 AM–11 PM daily
• Littleton: 8 AM–11 PM daily
• Thornton: 8 AM–11 PM daily
• Highlands: Mon–Fri 5–11 PM, Sat–Sun 8 AM–11 PM

Walk in, or book online.