A dog bite or scratch can happen quickly, but what you do afterwards matters.
Rabies is a serious viral disease that can affect the nervous system. Once clinical symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal. However, rabies deaths are preventable when appropriate post-exposure care is given promptly.
What should you do immediately?
1. Wash the wound thoroughly
Immediately wash and flush the wound with plenty of running water and soap for at least 15 minutes.
This is an important first-aid step because thorough wound washing helps remove the virus from the site of exposure. If soap is unavailable, flush the wound extensively with water. Do not apply substances such as pepper, plant juices, acids or other irritants to the wound.
2. Seek medical care promptly
Do not wait to see whether symptoms develop. If you have been bitten or scratched by an animal that could have rabies, go to a health facility for assessment as soon as possible. A healthcare professional will assess the type of exposure and determine whether you need post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP).
PEP may include:
- Thorough wound treatment
- Rabies vaccination
- Rabies immunoglobulin or monoclonal antibodies when indicated
The treatment needed depends on the type and severity of the exposure.
What if the wound looks small?
A small wound does not automatically mean there is no risk. Rabies exposure can occur through bites, scratches or saliva contacting broken skin or mucous membranes. Some exposures that do not involve a large or bleeding wound can still require vaccination.
This is why it is important to have the exposure properly assessed rather than deciding for yourself that the wound is harmless.
What about the dog?
If it can be done safely, information about the animal can help healthcare and public-health professionals assess the exposure.
Do not put yourself at further risk by trying to catch or handle an unfamiliar or potentially aggressive animal.
Where appropriate, public-health or veterinary professionals may arrange for the animal to be observed or assessed.
Don’t rely on home remedies
After an animal bite, avoid treating the wound with substances that can irritate or contaminate it.
Instead:
Wash. Seek care. Follow professional advice.
Home remedies cannot replace rabies post-exposure care when it is indicated.
Can rabies be prevented?
Yes.
Vaccinating dogs is a major part of preventing dog-mediated rabies, while prompt access to appropriate post-exposure care helps prevent rabies after an exposure.
Rabies prevention therefore involves more than what happens after a bite. Responsible pet ownership, dog vaccination, bite-prevention education and access to appropriate healthcare all contribute to prevention.
A simple reminder
If you or someone around you is bitten or scratched by a potentially rabid animal:
Don’t panic. Don’t ignore it.
- Wash the wound immediately for at least 15 minutes.
- Seek medical attention promptly.
- Follow the healthcare professional’s advice about rabies vaccination and other treatment.
Early action matters.
VitaGuardia Wellbeing Foundation
Promoting Sustainable Health and Wellbeing
Health information provided for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Sources
World Health Organization – Rabies
https://www.who.int/health-topics/rabies
World Health Organization – Rabies vaccinations and immunization
https://www.who.int/teams/control-of-neglected-tropical-diseases/rabies/vaccinations-and-immunization
World Health Organization – Protocol for a well-performed rabies post-exposure prophylaxis delivery
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/B09018