How to treat a wound after being bitten by a cat or dog

Generally, the steps for treating a wound after being bitten by a cat or dog include immediate wound cleansing, expressing blood from the wound, disinfection, hemostasis and dressing, seeking medical attention promptly, and receiving vaccinations. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Immediate wound cleansing

After being bitten, the wound should be immediately flushed with a large amount of running water to rapidly reduce the number of pathogens at the wound site. The washing should last for at least 15 minutes, ensuring thorough cleaning both inside and outside the wound.

2. Expressing blood from the wound

While rinsing the wound, gently squeeze from the proximal (closer to the heart) to the distal end of the wound to help expel contaminated blood. This helps reduce residual pathogens in the wound, preventing their proliferation and spread, thus lowering the risk of serious infections such as rabies. However, avoid excessive squeezing to prevent further tissue damage.

3. Disinfection

After rinsing, use antiseptics such as diluted povidone-iodine or benzalkonium chloride to disinfect the wound. These agents effectively kill pathogens on the wound surface and help prevent infection. Ensure adequate contact between the disinfectant and the wound, and follow correct application methods.

4. Hemostasis and dressing

If the wound is bleeding, immediately apply gentle pressure using clean gauze or cloth to stop the bleeding. After the bleeding has stopped, cover the wound with sterile gauze to prevent secondary contamination. Avoid wrapping the dressing too tightly, as this may impair blood circulation. Proper hemostasis and dressing help reduce both bleeding and the risk of infection.

5. Vaccination

After initial wound management, promptly go to the hospital for medical evaluation. Based on the wound condition and the patient's vaccination history, the healthcare provider will determine whether rabies vaccination or tetanus vaccination is necessary. Rabies is a fatal viral disease, and early prevention is crucial. Tetanus infection is also serious, so tetanus vaccination may be required when necessary.

In daily life, when interacting with pets, maintain an appropriate distance and avoid excessive provocation or agitation of the animal.