What should I do if I'm bitten by a puppy and it causes bleeding?

After being bitten and bleeding from a puppy, immediate actions should include wound irrigation, thorough disinfection, prompt vaccination, assessment for immunoglobulin injection, and monitoring the puppy's condition. Rabies has an extremely high fatality rate, so it is essential to strictly follow established protocols. If the wound is deep, heavily contaminated, or the puppy’s origin is unknown, seek medical attention immediately.

1. Wound irrigation: Alternately flush the wound with running tap water and soap solution for 15–20 minutes to remove as much virus from saliva as possible. Avoid squeezing the wound during rinsing to prevent the virus from spreading into deeper tissues.

2. Thorough disinfection: After flushing, wipe the wound and surrounding skin with iodine tincture or medical alcohol, ensuring complete coverage of the affected area. Do not bandage the wound—keep it ventilated and dry to reduce the risk of bacterial infection.

3. Prompt vaccination: Go to a qualified medical facility to receive the rabies vaccine within 24 hours. Complete the full vaccination series according to the 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28-day schedule without delay or missed doses.

4. Assessment for immunoglobulin injection: If the wound is located on the head, face, neck, hands, or other high-risk areas, or if the wound is deep, rabies immunoglobulin should be administered under a doctor’s guidance to enhance passive immunity and neutralize local virus at the wound site.

5. Monitor the puppy’s condition: Record the puppy’s source and health status. If the puppy shows abnormal symptoms such as agitation, excessive drooling, or photophobia during the 10-day observation period, promptly inform the vaccination provider and strengthen protective measures.

To prevent bites, avoid close contact with unfamiliar or stray puppies. Avoid provoking pets during interactions, ensure household pets are regularly vaccinated, and wash hands promptly after contact with animals to reduce the risk of being bitten.