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GP · Animal and human bites · Private clinic in East London

Private animal and human bites clinic in London, same-day GP.

A bite pushes bacteria from the mouth deep under the skin, which is why bites become infected far more often than other wounds of the same size. A small puncture that looks like nothing can still cause a serious infection. Our private GP clinic in East London offers same-day animal and human bites assessment with a private GP, diagnosis and a clear treatment plan — usually without a referral and often the same day.

Same-day
appointments
Specialist-led
private care
No referral
needed

The condition

What is animal and human bites?

A bite pushes bacteria from the mouth deep under the skin, which is why bites become infected far more often than other wounds of the same size. A small puncture that looks like nothing can still cause a serious infection.

  • What animal and human bites is
  • Symptoms to look for
  • Causes & risk factors
  • Tests & diagnosis
  • Treatment options
  • When to see a specialist

Understanding animal and human bites

Animal and human bites: symptoms, causes, tests & treatment

Seek medical help the same day if

  • the bite is on the hand, wrist, foot, face or over a joint, or near a tendon;
  • it is a human bite, or a cat bite — both carry a high risk of infection;
  • the wound is deep, punctured, gaping, or will not stop bleeding;
  • you were bitten abroad, or by a bat anywhere including in the UK — this needs same-day advice about rabies;
  • you have diabetes, a weakened immune system, no spleen, or take medicines that suppress immunity;
  • you are not sure your tetanus vaccinations are up to date.

A punch that connects with someone's teeth counts as a human bite, even when the cut over the knuckle looks trivial. These infect deeply and quickly, and should always be assessed. In an emergency call 999, or go to the Royal London Hospital Emergency Department, Whitechapel Road, London E1 1FR.

First aid, straight away

  1. Wash the wound thoroughly under running water with soap for several minutes. Do not scrub hard — you want to flush the wound out, not damage it further.
  2. Let it bleed a little if it is not bleeding heavily. That helps wash bacteria out.
  3. If it is bleeding a lot, press firmly with a clean cloth or dressing until it stops, and raise the injured part above heart level.
  4. Pat dry and cover with a clean, non-fluffy dressing or plaster.
  5. Get it assessed. Bites are cleaned and reviewed properly rather than simply dressed at home.

What treatment involves

  • Cleaning. The wound will be irrigated thoroughly, and any dead or dirty tissue removed. This matters more than any dressing.
  • Usually no stitches. Most bites are deliberately left open or held with closure strips, because closing a contaminated wound traps infection inside. Bites to the face are an exception and are often closed for appearance, after very careful cleaning.
  • Antibiotics. A preventive course is commonly prescribed, particularly for hand bites, cat bites, human bites, puncture wounds, and for anyone at higher risk of infection. Finish the whole course even if the wound looks fine.
  • Tetanus. A booster is given if your vaccinations are not up to date or the wound is dirty.
  • Dressings and elevation. A bite on the arm or hand does better in a sling for the first day or two, with the hand held above the elbow.
  • Review. Most bites are checked again at 24 to 48 hours, because that is when infection declares itself.

Rabies. There is no rabies in animals in the UK apart from bats. If you were bitten, scratched or licked on broken skin by any mammal while abroad, or by a bat anywhere, seek advice the same day — treatment is highly effective but must be started promptly. Do not wait to see whether the wound looks infected.

Human bites and blood-borne viruses

Where a human bite has broken the skin, there is a small risk of hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV being passed on. A blood test may be offered, a hepatitis B vaccination or booster may be given, and in a few cases preventive treatment is started. This is a routine precaution rather than a sign that anything has gone wrong, and it is handled confidentially.

If the bite happened during an assault or in circumstances you would like to talk about privately, our team can help you find support. Nothing is shared without your consent.

Signs the bite is becoming infected

Contact us, your GP or NHS 111 the same day, or go to an emergency department, if you develop:

  • increasing pain, redness or swelling around the wound, especially spreading redness or red streaks;
  • pus, oozing, or a bad smell from the wound;
  • a raised temperature, shivering, feeling generally unwell or tired;
  • swollen, tender glands above the bite — for example in the armpit after a hand or arm bite;
  • difficulty moving a finger or joint near the bite, or pain when it is moved.

We can manage bites from start to finish — cleaning, antibiotics, tetanus and hepatitis B vaccination, dressings and the 48-hour review — 7 days a week, without a referral. Call 020 7916 0029.

Reporting a dog bite

If you were bitten by a dog that is not yours, you can report it to the police. It is worth noting the owner's details and what happened at the time if you are able to. Keeping a photograph of the wound is also useful.

Simple & reassuring

Seen today, in three easy steps

1

Book in a minute

Book online any time or call reception — no GP referral needed for most appointments.

2

Seen quickly

A GMC-registered clinician assesses you, with tests and scans arranged in-house where possible.

3

Diagnosis & plan

You leave with a clear diagnosis, treatment, and any specialist care or scan arranged.

Book same-day appointment Call 020 7916 0029

Private assessment

See a private GP for animal and human bites in London

At our private GP clinic on Whitechapel Road in East London, you can see a private GP or animal and human bites doctor without a referral — most days, often the same day. A private GP in East London or consultant GP will assess you, arrange the right tests and explain your diagnosis and treatment options clearly. We help patients across East London, Canary Wharf, the City, Docklands and Aldgate who want fast, private answers about animal and human bites.

Book a private animal and human bites assessment

Local, private, fast

A private GP clinic for East London & Canary Wharf

Tower Bridge Hospital is on Whitechapel Road in the heart of East London — minutes from Canary Wharf, the City of London, Docklands and Aldgate. Patients across Tower Hamlets, Wapping, Limehouse and Bethnal Green choose us for a fast, private animal and human bites appointment with a GP, without the wait or the referral.

Why choose us

Why choose our East London private GP clinic

  • Same-day, no referral — private GP and GP under one roof
  • Specialist-led care with GMC-registered clinicians
  • Tests & scans on site, results explained the same visit
  • Minutes from Canary Wharf & the City of London
  • A named clinician who explains your results clearly
  • Transparent pricing and a plan you can act on

Ready when you are

See a private GP for animal and human bites — the same day.

Book a private animal and human bites assessment in East London: same-day appointments, GP-led care and a clear plan. No referral needed.

Common questions

Animal and human bites in London: your questions answered

Where can I find a private animal and human bites specialist near me in East London?

Our private GP clinic is on Whitechapel Road in East London, minutes from Canary Wharf and the City. You can see a private GP or animal and human bites doctor for assessment and treatment, usually the same day and without a referral.

Can I see a private GP for animal and human bites the same day?

Yes. We hold same-day private appointments most days, including Saturdays, so you can be assessed by a GP or GP quickly, with tests done in-house where possible.

How much does a private animal and human bites appointment cost in London?

We keep pricing transparent — see our fees page or call 020 7916 0029, and we will explain the cost of the animal and human bites assessment and any tests before you book.

Do I need a referral to see a private GP for animal and human bites?

No. You can book directly with our clinic. If you are unsure whether to start with a private GP or a GP, we will guide you.

Which areas do you serve for private animal and human bites care?

We see private patients from across East London, Canary Wharf, the City of London, Docklands, Aldgate, Wapping, Limehouse and Tower Hamlets.

Medically reviewed by Dr Haydar Bolat — Clinical Director, GMC 7138332. Last reviewed August 2026 · next review August 2027. Written in line with our editorial & content-review policy, using guidance from the NHS, NICE and the relevant royal colleges. This information is general and does not replace personal medical advice.

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In an emergency, call 999. Tower Bridge Hospital London is not an emergency service. Your nearest A&E is The Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel Road E1 1FR — 5 minutes’ walk from our front door.

Areas we serve

Private animal and human bites care in London & East London — Whitechapel, the City & Canary Wharf

Patients visit our Whitechapel clinic for private animal and human bites assessment and treatment from right across London and East London, the City and the Docklands — including Aldgate, Bethnal Green, Bow, Shoreditch, Canary Wharf, Stratford, Bermondsey and the surrounding areas. Same-day and walk-in appointments are available and you do not need a GP referral.

Easy to reach — minutes from the Royal London Hospital and Aldgate East, Whitechapel, Aldgate and Liverpool Street stations, and one stop from Canary Wharf on the Elizabeth line.

Private animal and human bites treatment near me? If you are searching for private animal and human bites treatment near me, a animal and human bites doctor or specialist near me, or a private clinic near me in East London, our Whitechapel practice is on your doorstep — walk-in and same-day appointments, no GP referral, and no long NHS waiting list.

Book a same-day appointment or call 020 7916 0029. See our transparent fees. Open 7 days a week, 9am–7pm. Private clinic on Whitechapel Road, London E1 — serving Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Newham, Islington, the City of London and Southwark.

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