Animal bites and scratches can happen unexpectedly, whether from a pet, a stray animal, or wildlife. While some bites may seem minor, others can carry serious infection risks, including rabies, making prompt medical evaluation essential.
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Jan 31, 2026
Animal Bites and Rabies Risk: What You Need to Know
At Ally Medical Emergency Room, our emergency physicians assess animal bites quickly to determine the risk of infection and whether further treatment is needed.
“Animal bites should always be taken seriously. Early evaluation allows us to reduce infection risk and determine whether rabies exposure is a concern,” Dr. Jeremy Kenter, Chief Medical Officer, said.
Understanding Rabies Risk
Rabies is a viral infection that affects the brain and nervous system. It is typically spread through the saliva of an infected animal, most often through bites. Scratches can also pose a risk if saliva enters broken skin. As there have been confirmed rabies outbreaks within wildlife populations across Texas, including in Hays County, it is best practice to avoid contact with wild animals.
Animals most commonly associated with rabies risk include:
Bats
Raccoons
Skunks
Foxes
Stray or unvaccinated dogs and cats
Because rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms begin, prevention through early medical care is critical.
What to Do Immediately After an Animal Bite
If you are bitten or scratched:
Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water right away
Apply gentle pressure if bleeding is present
Do not attempt to capture wild animals
Seek medical care as soon as possible
If the animal is a pet, try to gather information about vaccination status and the owner’s contact details.
When an Animal Bite Requires Emergency Care
You should seek emergency care if:
The wound is deep, bleeding heavily, or won’t stop bleeding
The bite is near a joint
The animal is wild, stray, or acting unusually
There are signs of infection such as redness, swelling, warmth, or pus
Fever develops
A bat exposure is suspected, even without a visible bite
The injured person is a child or has a weakened immune system
“These situations require prompt evaluation to help prevent serious infection and determine whether rabies prevention is needed,” Dr. Jeremy Kenter emphasized.
How Animal Bites Are Treated in the ER
At Ally Medical ER, treatment for animal bites may include:
Thorough wound cleaning
Tetanus vaccination updates when needed
Antibiotics to prevent or treat infection
Imaging if bone, joint, or deep tissue injury is suspected
Our team works efficiently to reduce complications and guide next steps.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Prompt medical care after an animal bite helps:
Reduce the risk of infection
Determine rabies exposure risk
Prevent long-term complications
Provide peace of mind
Delaying care can increase the risk of serious illness.
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