First Aid and Management of Animal Bites (Dog, Cat, Monkey) and Rabies Vaccination Guidelines

Animal bites are a common medical emergency, especially in regions where humans and animals live in close contact. Bites from dogs, cats, and monkeys can cause both physical trauma and serious infections, including rabies, a disease that is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.

1. Immediate First Aid for Animal Bites

The most critical step is immediate wound cleaning:

Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15–20 minutes
Apply antiseptics such as povidone-iodine or alcohol
Control bleeding with clean gauze
Avoid tight suturing in early stages unless necessary
Do NOT apply traditional substances (herbs, soil, etc.)

Early washing significantly reduces viral transmission risk.

2. Differences Between Animal Bites

Dog bites: Most common source of rabies transmission
Cat bites: Deep puncture wounds → high bacterial infection risk
Monkey bites: High risk in tourist areas → always treat as rabies exposure

3. Medical Evaluation

After first aid, patients should go to a healthcare facility immediately.

Doctors will assess:

Wound severity
Rabies exposure risk
Need for antibiotics and tetanus prophylaxis

In Vietnam, people are advised to seek medical care immediately after a bite for timely rabies vaccination.

4. Rabies Exposure Categories (WHO)

Category I: Touching animals, intact skin → No vaccine
Category II: Minor scratches → Vaccine required
Category III: Bites, bleeding wounds → Vaccine + RIG required

5. Rabies Vaccination Protocol (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis – PEP)

Rabies vaccine schedule (IM):

Day 0
Day 3
Day 7
Day 14
Day 28 (optional)

Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG):

Required for Category III
Injected into and around the wound

Rabies vaccine is widely available at district and provincial health centers in Vietnam.

6. Prevention

Avoid contact with stray animals
Vaccinate pets regularly
Educate communities
Seek care immediately after exposure

Rabies Vaccination in Hội An (Vietnam)

If you are in Hội An, you can receive rabies vaccination at:

Hoi An General Hospital (04 Trần Hưng Đạo street, Hội An, Đà Nẵng)
→ Main public hospital, commonly provides rabies vaccine
Pacific Hospital Hoi An ( 06 Phan Đình Phùng street, Hội An, Đà Nẵng)
→ Private hospital, faster service for tourists
VNVC Vaccination Center (537 Hai Bà Trưng Street, Hội An, Đà Nẵng).
→ Large vaccination system with high-quality vaccines (near Hội An)

In practice, rabies vaccines are usually available at local hospitals or immunization centers, while RIG may only be available at larger centers or cities like Da Nang