English archive > Stings and bites > Bites

Apart from the wound itself, bear in mind that any animals that might bite us carry a lot of germs in their mouths, so the whole of the affected area must be treated to avoid possible infection.

Dogs: when a dog bites a person, it must be reported to the competent administrative body for Health and Consumer Affairs (Ministry, Council, etc.).

Small children are usually the most vulnerable, either because they often play with dogs, or because sometimes they annoy them and dogs often respond to aggression by biting.

Action and treatment

• First find out if the dog has all the mandatory vaccinations.
• Observe the dog's behaviour.
• If the wound is superficial, wash it with soap and water.
• Disinfect it.
• See the doctor for antiseptic immunisation.
• If the bite has torn the skin, seek medical attention immediately, keeping the wound uncovered and giving the above information.  

Snake bites: first find out whether poisoning has occurred because a poisonous snake can bite without injecting its venom.

The Iberian Peninsula and Catalonia are home to different poisonous snakes.

The adder abounds in dry, rocky areas, generally close to water.

Its bite usually leaves two holes, 6 or 8 mm apart, but may leave only one.

More or less painful swelling occurs 10 to 15 minutes later and after a few hours the victim may become sweaty, with low blood pressure, vomiting, dyspnoea difficulty in breathing, headache, etc. Everything depends on the severity of the bite.

Action and treatment

• Wash with soap and water.
• Disinfect.
• Seek advice regarding anti-tetanus immunisation
• In the event of infection the doctor will recommend an antibiotic.

• Cut open the wound (do not move it about or touch it too much).
• Try to suck out the venom.
• Apply anything other than disinfectant to the wound.
• Apply a tourniquet.
• Apply ice because, while it may alleviate the pain, it can harm the tissues.