When your child is bitten or scratched by an animal, remain calm and reassure your child that you can help. Specific treatment for an animal bite will be determined by your child s doctor. Treatment may include: For superficial bites from a familiar household pet that is immunized and in good health: Wash the wound with soap and water under pressure from a faucet for at least 5 minutes, but do not scrub as this may bruise the tissue. Apply an antiseptic lotion or cream. Watch for signs of infection at the site, such as increased redness or pain, swelling, or drainage, or if your child develops a fever. Call your child s doctor or health care provider right away if any of these occur. Consult your child s doctor for any flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, malaise, decreased appetite, or swollen glands following an animal bite.