Dog bites

Even a small wound risks infection. Wash it, get seen, and identify the owner.

First aid

1. Wash the wound thoroughly with running water and soap (several minutes).
2. Press with clean cloth to stop bleeding.
3. For heavy bleeding, keep pressure on and call 119 or go to A&E.
4. See a doctor even if it looks minor. Infection, tetanus and rabies risk must be assessed.
5. Get the dog's and owner's details — contact, vaccination status.
6. Photograph the wound.

What the doctor checks

• Infection risk — dog bites are deep and heavily contaminated.
• Tetanus — a booster may be needed depending on your history.
• Rabies risk — judged on the dog's vaccination status and condition.

Legal and cost questions

• In Korea, owners are responsible for their dogs. You can claim treatment costs for a bite.
• Secure the owner's contact details, witnesses and CCTV.
• If the owner evades responsibility, report to 112 and consult 132 (Korea Legal Aid Corporation).
• Breaches of dangerous-dog rules are punishable.

Where to go

• 119 (heavy bleeding, emergencies)
• A nearby surgery clinic or A&E
• 112 (owner unknown, disputes)
• 132 Korea Legal Aid Corporation (claiming costs)
• 120 Dasan call centre (stray dog reports and administration)

Questions people ask

I was bitten by a stray. Treatment first. Secure CCTV and witnesses and inform the local authority (120). Tell the hospital exactly what happened for the rabies assessment.

The wound was small so I left it. Get seen even late. Swelling, redness and heat signal infection.

The owner refuses to pay for treatment. Gather evidence (photos, medical certificate, correspondence) and consult 132. See crime-victim-support.

I was bitten by a cat or another animal. Wash and get seen just the same. Cat wounds are deep and infect easily.

Take care

If swelling or fever develops days after a bite, go to hospital at once — infection appears late. For a child, face and neck wounds need urgent care, and watch for psychological shock too.

Related

first-aid-basics · bleeding · insect-sting · pet-ownership · crime-victim-support

Source

Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency www.kdca.go.kr / As of 2026-08