How to handle pet bites
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BEWARE OF THE DOG and
CAT
Millions of people are bitten by animals each year in the U.S., and the majority of injuries are caused by dogs and cats. Although most people tend to regard cats as less threatening than dogs, cat bites can be very dangerous. That’s because cats have long, sharp teeth that can deeply penetrate tissue, joints and tendons where bacteria can then easily grow. And the mouths of both cats and dogs contain many types of bacteria that can be transmitted through a bite. Research indicates that up to 85 percent of cat bites occur on the hand or wrist.
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And a study by the Mayo Clinic found that cat bites are more likely to lead to hospitalization when they occur over a joint or tendon and are accompanied by swelling, redness and pain.
A bite or scratch from a cat can cause Cat Scratch Disease, also referred to as Cat Scratch Fever, which is characterized by: > Swollen lymph nodes > Fever > Headache > Fatigue > Poor appetite
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