World Rabies Day – What to do if a dog bites or scratches you: First aid and treatment

Wondering how to treat the wound or whether you will get rabies? Our expert solves all your doubts.

Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Updated: September 28, 2016 12:05 pm

Unlike, nicks, scrapes and cuts that you get at home, when a dog bites, the chances of getting rabies is high and hence, it is important to stay safe and get treated immediately. Here are some tips from our expert Dr Sandeep Sonawane, Consultant Physician, Sunshine Hospital, Nerul, Navi Mumbai, on the first-aid measures to follow after a dog bite.

Never tie a cloth around the wound, if you have a dog bite. Always keep the wound open.
Wash the area properly with water and soap. If you have alcohol at home, you can even clean the wound with it as it acts as an antiseptic. This helps clear the saliva and dust from the affected area.
Consult the doctor within 24 hours and get the first injection (if needed) to prevent any infection. Also, read about top 10 facts about rabies you didn’t know.

How is it treated?

Depending on the severity of the bite, the doctor will decide the mode of treatment – whether to clean the area or recommend a vaccine or injection, says Dr Pradip Shah.

For minor scratches, vaccination is the most effective method of therapy, whereas if the dog bite is deep or severe, then anti-rabies immunoglobulin is recommended.
In most cases, doctors avoid stitching the wound, unless it’s on the face or has affected any vital organ.
If it is due to a pet dog, then three doses of the vaccine are recommended. For example, if you take a one shot on day one, then the second one should be after 3 days and the other after 7 days. Here’s everything you need to know about rabies.
If the dog bite is due to a stray dog, then you may need to take five or seven injections with a gap of a week after the third shot, which is seven days after you take the first dose. This is only to improve the immunity and lower the risk of infection.
In the case of mild scratches, then at least three injections are recommended.

Most people tend to use home remedies or apply lotion for the wound to heal. But Dr Sonawne says the right approach to treat rabies is vaccination and immunoglobulin injections. Since rabies is a viral infection applying antibacterial lotion won’t provide any relief. One can apply antiseptic to prevent further infection but consult the doctor as soon as possible. Most people are unaware that a dog bite can lead to death as well, if not treated on time. Also, as rabies cannot be cured, it is important to understand the severity and get treated. Let your doctor decide the treatment.

Read this in HINDI, Marathi

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Published: July 7, 2016 5:31 pm | Updated:September 28, 2016 12:05 pm

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