Fast, Affordable Care for Animal Bites and Scratches in Charlotte, NC

Animal bites and scratches, even those that seem minor, can carry bacteria deep into the skin. Infections can set in quickly, and some animals may carry diseases like tetanus or rabies. If a wound is red, painful, bleeding, or becomes swollen, don’t wait for it to get worse.

Visit Eastway Medical Clinic if you experience:

• A bite or scratch that breaks the skin
• Swelling, redness, or signs of infection
• A wound that hasn’t been cleaned right away
• A bite from an unknown or wild animal
• You haven’t had a tetanus shot in the last 5 years
• You have diabetes or a weakened immune system

Our team provides fast evaluation, wound cleaning, and follow-up care to prevent serious infections and reduce healing time.

We offer full-service urgent care designed to get you in, treated, and on the road to recovery without unnecessary delays or high hospital bills. Here’s how we help:

1. Medical Evaluation

We begin by assessing the location and depth of the wound, checking for swelling, bleeding, signs of infection, and overall risk. We’ll also ask about the type of animal and whether it was vaccinated, stray, or wild.

2. Professional Wound Cleaning

Cleaning a wound properly is critical to preventing infection. We use medical-grade solutions to flush the area, remove debris, and apply antiseptic treatment.

3. Antibiotics & Tetanus Prevention

If needed, we’ll prescribe antibiotics to fight infection or recommend a tetanus booster shot. Tetanus can develop from even a small scratch, especially if it’s been more than 5 years since your last vaccine.

4. Rabies Risk Assessment

If the bite came from an unfamiliar or wild animal (such as a raccoon, bat, or stray dog), we will evaluate your risk and advise on rabies post-exposure treatment if needed. Rabies is rare but potentially life-threatening, and early treatment is key.

5. Follow-Up Instructions

Before you leave, we’ll explain how to care for your wound at home and schedule a follow-up if necessary. Healing support includes tips on wound dressing, signs to watch for, and how to avoid scarring.

Our urgent care team routinely treats:

• Dog bites (mild to moderate)
• Cat bites and scratches
• Rodent or small mammal bites
• Scrapes or claw marks from domestic or stray animals
• Surface wounds with potential infection

We treat both children and adults, and we welcome patients whether you have insurance or not. Our pricing is transparent, and we’re committed to making healthcare accessible for every family in Charlotte.

At Eastway Medical Clinic, we believe that quality care shouldn’t come with a long wait or an expensive bill. That’s why we offer:

• Walk-in access — no appointment required
• Shorter wait times than the ER
• Lower costs compared to hospital care
• Self-pay options for uninsured patients
• On-site lab and diagnostic services
• Board-certified physicians

Our team is led by Dr. Sylvia Okoye, MD, and Dr. Joseph Okoye, MD, who are dedicated to providing effective, respectful care in a supportive environment.

Maria, 34 — Quick Care After a Cat Scratch

Maria was helping a friend rescue a stray kitten when the frightened cat scratched her forearm. At first, she thought it was just a small scratch, but by the next morning, the area was red and starting to swell. Concerned about infection, she visited Eastway Medical Clinic. The team quickly cleaned the wound, gave her a tetanus booster, and prescribed antibiotics. Within days, the redness and swelling resolved.

Robert, 62 — Affordable Treatment for a Dog Bite

Robert was caring for his daughter’s dog when a startled bark turned into an accidental bite on his hand. The wound wasn’t severe but did break the skin. At his age, Robert was especially cautious about infection and healing time. Without insurance, he worried about the cost of urgent care. He visited Eastway Medical Clinic, where the team thoroughly cleaned the wound, confirmed his vaccination history, and provided preventive antibiotics — all at a self-pay price he could manage.

Can you treat bites and scratches from wild animals?
Yes. If you’ve been scratched or bitten by a wild animal such as a raccoon, bat, or fox, or even an unfamiliar stray, we can evaluate your wound and assess your risk for infections or rabies. If necessary, we’ll begin post-exposure treatment and coordinate any needed follow-up care.

Do I need a tetanus shot for a minor animal bite?
Possibly. If your last tetanus booster was more than 5 years ago—or if you’re unsure of your vaccination status—we may recommend a tetanus shot during your visit. Even small scratches can introduce bacteria that lead to tetanus, especially if the wound is deep or dirty.

I don’t have insurance. Can I still be seen?
Absolutely. Eastway Medical Clinic offers affordable self-pay pricing for all patients. You do not need insurance to receive treatment. We believe everyone deserves access to timely care, and we’re happy to explain costs before treatment begins.

Before you arrive at the clinic, take the following steps if you’ve been bitten or scratched:

• Wash the wound gently with soap and water for at least 5 minutes
• Apply an antibiotic ointment (like Neosporin)
• Cover with a clean bandage
• Apply light pressure with a clean cloth if bleeding
• Avoid using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on deep wounds

Then, head to Eastway Medical Clinic for professional medical attention.

Don’t wait to see if a bite or scratch gets worse. Early treatment is the best way to avoid infection, scarring, and serious complications. At Eastway Medical Clinic in Charlotte, NC, our experienced team is ready to help you heal quickly and safely. We are conveniently located at 1220 Eastway Drive Charlotte, NC 28205. For more information, please contact us. We serve patients from Charlotte NC, Newell NC, Mint Hill NC, Matthews NC, Allen NC, Harrisburg NC, and surrounding cities.