What should you do if a rat scratches until it bleeds? - briefly
Clean the wound with mild soap and water, apply an antiseptic, and monitor for signs of infection. Contact a veterinarian promptly for professional assessment and treatment.
What should you do if a rat scratches until it bleeds? - in detail
If a rodent’s claw wound bleeds, act immediately to protect health and stop the bleeding.
First, secure the animal. Gently place the rat in a sturdy container with a lid, ensuring it cannot bite again. Use thick gloves to avoid further injury.
Second, address the wound. Apply firm pressure with a clean gauze pad or cloth for several minutes until bleeding slows or stops. If the blood does not clot after 10 minutes, seek professional medical help.
Third, clean the site. Rinse with lukewarm water, then scrub gently with mild antiseptic soap. Rinse thoroughly, avoiding vigorous rubbing that could reopen the wound.
Fourth, disinfect. Apply an over‑the‑counter antiseptic solution such as povidone‑iodine or chlorhexidine. Allow it to air‑dry; do not cover with a tight bandage that could restrict circulation.
Fifth, monitor for infection. Watch for redness, swelling, increasing pain, pus, or fever over the next 24–48 hours. If any signs appear, consult a healthcare provider promptly.
Sixth, consider tetanus prophylaxis. If the individual’s tetanus immunization is outdated (more than 5 years for a clean wound, 3 years for a contaminated one), a booster injection may be required.
Seventh, evaluate rabies risk. In most domestic or laboratory settings, rats are not typical rabies vectors, but if the animal’s health status is unknown or it was captured from the wild, contact local public‑health authorities for guidance.
Finally, prevent recurrence. Examine the rat’s claws for overgrowth or injury; trim if necessary under veterinary supervision. Provide enrichment and a safe enclosure to reduce stress‑induced aggression. Maintain regular hand‑washing and use protective gloves when handling rodents.
Following these steps minimizes blood loss, reduces infection risk, and ensures proper medical follow‑up.