Animal bite is considered a medical emergency if there is deep puncture wounds especially on the hands and feet, if the skin is badly torn with crush injuries and bleeding severely. Any signs of redness and swelling around the wound indicates a sign of infection. If the bite is from a wild animal or if the vaccine status of the animal is unknown, then its also important to seek medical attention immediately.

Animal bites including human bites should be evaluated immediately as most carry high rates of infection. First aid includes controlling any severe bleeding and washing out the wound with soap and water. Even with excellent first aid these injuries should be medically evaluated as soon as possible. The earlier they are treated the less chance there is for infection to spread. Cat bites can be particularly problematic as they frequently become infected, and often when patients present even a few hours after the bite the infection has advanced to where they require antibiotics and even hospitalization. Rapid assessment and treatment is key to preventing this outcome.