First Aid for Dog Bite Wounds: Quick Steps & Tips

The TenDay Observation Method is one of the recommended rabies prevention and control measures by the World Health Organization. After being bitten by an animal showing symptoms of disease or illness, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly for rabies vaccination and to observe the biting animal. If, within 10 days, it can be confirmed that the biting animal has received two consecutive doses of effective rabies vaccine and remains healthy, or if the animal can be humanely euthanized and laboratory tests confirm it is free of the rabies virus, the vaccination can be terminated, and it can be concluded that the person bitten has not contracted rabies. If the biting animal cannot be found for laboratory testing or observation, the full vaccination program should be completed.

It is important to emphasize that China has a large number of dogs with a low vaccination rate. In rabiesendemic areas, if a person is bitten by a suspicious dog or cat, they should begin the rabies vaccination immediately while following the TenDay Observation Method. Otherwise, if the dog or cat develops symptoms several days later, it may be too late to start the preventive measures.

Assessment of Bites:

Rabies exposure is categorized into three levels based on the nature and severity of the exposure. Level II exposure includes situations such as: ① a light bite on bare skin; ② minor scratches or abrasions without bleeding. First, examine the exposed area of the skin with the naked eye for any breaks. If it is difficult to determine visually, use alcohol to wipe the exposed area; if there is a sensation of pain, it indicates that the skin is broken (this method is only suitable for immediate testing at the time of the injury). Level III exposure includes situations such as: ① a single or multiple penetrating wounds or scratches on the skin ("penetrating" means the dermis and blood vessels have been injured, with clinical signs of visible bleeding or subcutaneous tissue damage); ② licking of broken skin (be aware of small skin breaks caused by cracking, scratching, and other reasons); ③ contamination of mucous membranes with animal saliva (such as being licked); ④ exposure to bats (consider postexposure prophylaxis when there is contact between humans and bats, unless the exposed individual can rule out being bitten, scratched, or exposed through mucous membranes).

Individuals classified as Level II exposure should immediately treat the wound and receive rabies vaccination as per regulations. Those classified as Level III exposure should also immediately treat the wound, and it is important to note that Level III exposure requires the administration of rabies passive immunization and the vaccination against rabies.

In this case, the bite resulted in a skin break, which is classified as Level II exposure, and preventive vaccination should be administered. If one is confident about their own dog and it remains asymptomatic within 10 days, vaccination may not be necessary.