What should I do if bitten and bleeding by a golden hamster?

Generally, if bitten and bleeding occurs from a golden hamster (also known as a Syrian hamster), the wound should be cleaned, bleeding stopped, tetanus antitoxin administered, rabies vaccine given, and psychological support provided. If any physical discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive treatment under the guidance of a qualified physician. Specific measures are analyzed as follows:

1. Wound Cleaning

Rinse the bitten area thoroughly with saline solution, soapy water, or running water to clean the wound and reduce the risk of infection. If the bite is deep, go to the hospital promptly for wound irrigation using hydrogen peroxide solution to prevent infection by tetanus bacteria.

2. Stopping Bleeding

If there is significant bleeding, apply direct pressure to the wound to stop the bleeding. Use sterile gauze or a clean cloth to gently press on the wound until the bleeding stops.

3. Tetanus Antitoxin Injection

After consulting a healthcare provider, if the bite is severe or the wound is deep, the risk of tetanus infection increases. In such cases, tetanus antitoxin should be administered as soon as possible.

4. Rabies Vaccination

Although golden hamsters are not known carriers of rabies, for safety reasons, it is advisable to receive the rabies vaccine under a doctor's guidance.

5. Psychological Support

Sudden animal attacks, especially those causing bleeding injuries, may lead to psychological trauma, manifesting as anxiety, fear, or similar symptoms. If such symptoms occur, timely psychological counseling and support are recommended. When necessary, cognitive behavioral therapy may be beneficial in restoring mental health.

In daily life, individuals should keep the injured area clean. After vaccination, avoid strenuous exercise to prevent interference with the vaccine's effectiveness.