Care After Dog Bite And Rabies

Quick Answer

If a dog bites your child, stay calm but act fast. Wash the wound immediately with soap and running water for 15 minutes, then go to the hospital right away for the rabies teeka (vaccine). Rabies is 100% preventable with timely vaccination, but 100% fatal if symptoms develop. Time is critical - don’t wait!

Emergency First Steps (Do This RIGHT NOW)

Immediate Action Checklist:

• Stay Calm: Your child needs you to be composed

• Wash the Wound Immediately:

• Use running water and soap

• Wash for at least 15 minutes

• Let water flow over the wound

• Do NOT scrub aggressively

• Apply Antiseptic:

• Povidone-iodine (Betadine) is best

• If not available, use any antiseptic

• Go to Hospital:

• Don’t wait for the wound to look “bad enough”

• Even minor scratches need evaluation Do NOT:

• Apply turmeric (haldi), chili, or any home remedy

• Bandage tightly

• Delay going to hospital

• Try to find the dog first (waste of time)

Why Dog Bites Are Serious in India

India has the highest number of rabies deaths in the world. Key facts:

• 36% of global rabies deaths happen in India
• 97% of cases are from dog bites
• 30-60% of victims are children under 15
• Children are at higher risk because:
• They’re closer to dog’s face level
• They may provoke dogs unintentionally
• They may not report minor bites

Understanding Rabies (Haad wali bimari)

What is Rabies?

Rabies is a deadly viral infection that attacks the brain and nervous system. It’s transmitted through the saliva of infected animals - usually through bites, but also through scratches or licks on broken skin.

Why Is It So Dangerous?

• 100% fatal once symptoms appear
• 100% preventable with timely vaccination
• There is NO CURE once symptoms start

Symptoms of Rabies (If Untreated):

• Fear of water (hydrophobia)
• Fear of air/wind
• Difficulty swallowing
• Confusion and agitation
• Paralysis
• Coma and death Good news: These can be completely prevented with the right treatment after a bite!

Types of Dog Bite Exposures

The WHO classifies exposures into three categories:

Category	Description	Treatment Needed
Category I	Touching/feeding animal, licks on intact skin	No treatment needed
Category II	Minor scratches without bleeding, nibbles on uncovered skin, licks on broken skin	Wound care + Vaccination
Category III	Single/multiple bites penetrating skin, scratches with bleeding, licks on mucous membranes	Wound care + Vaccination + Immunoglobulin

What Happens at the Hospital?

Step 1: Wound Assessment

Doctor will examine:

• Depth of wound
• Location on body (face/head are most serious)
• Whether it’s bleeding
• Condition of the skin around the wound

Step 2: Wound Cleaning

• Thorough washing
• Antiseptic application
• Doctor may NOT stitch the wound immediately (to prevent trapping infection)

Step 3: Anti-Rabies Vaccine (Teeka)

Modern vaccines are:

• Given in the arm (NOT in stomach like old days!)
• Safe with minimal side effects
• Given on specific days: Day 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28 Vaccination Schedule:

Day	Action
Day 0	First dose (immediately)
Day 3	Second dose
Day 7	Third dose
Day 14	Fourth dose
Day 28	Fifth dose (may be skipped if Category II)

Step 4: Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG)

For Category III exposures:

• Provides immediate protection
• Given around the wound
• Only needed once (on Day 0)

Step 5: Tetanus Vaccination

• May be given if child’s tetanus shots are not up to date
• Prevents tetanus infection from the wound

Step 6: Antibiotics

• Usually prescribed to prevent bacterial infection
• Complete the full course as directed

Age-Specific Guidance

Babies and Toddlers (0-3 years)

• Higher risk due to small size and inability to protect themselves
• Wounds on face/head are common
• May not be able to tell you about a bite
• Watch for: Unexplained scratches or wounds after being near dogs

Young Children (3-10 years)

• Most common age group for dog bites
• Often bitten while playing or teasing dogs
• May hide bites from parents due to fear of punishment
• Talk to them: Explain it’s important to tell you about any dog contact

Older Children (10+ years)

• Can communicate clearly about the incident
• Should know basic first aid
• Teach them to wash wounds immediately

Preventing Dog Bites

Teach Children:

• Never approach unfamiliar dogs
• Ask permission before petting any dog
• Don’t disturb dogs while eating or sleeping
• Don’t run from a dog (walk away slowly)
• If a dog attacks:
• Stand still like a tree
• Cover face and neck with arms
• Curl into a ball if knocked down

At Home:

• Supervise children around pets
• Vaccinate your own dogs regularly
• Train family dogs properly
• Never leave babies alone with dogs

Expert Insight: As our pediatricians remind parents: ‘Milestones have wide ranges. Focus on progress, not comparison.‘

FAQs

Q: Do I need treatment if the dog bite didn’t bleed?

A: Yes! Even scratches or nibbles that don’t bleed can transmit rabies if they break the skin. Always get medical evaluation.

Q: The dog that bit my child is our pet. Does he still need the vaccine?

A: If your pet is properly vaccinated against rabies, the risk is lower. However, consult a doctor immediately. They may still recommend starting vaccination while observing the dog for 10 days.

Q: Can I wait to see if the dog develops rabies symptoms?

A: This is very risky. By the time the dog shows symptoms, precious time is lost. Start vaccination immediately. You can discontinue if the dog is proven healthy after 10 days.

Q: Are the new rabies vaccines painful?

A: Modern vaccines are given in the arm like any other vaccine. They’re much less painful than the old stomach injections. Some children may have mild arm soreness.

Q: How long after the bite should we get the vaccine?

A: Ideally within hours, but definitely within 24 hours. Earlier is always better. However, even if delayed, get the vaccine - it can still be effective.

Q: My child was bitten on the face. Is this more serious?

A: Yes, face/head bites are Category III because the virus reaches the brain faster. These always require immunoglobulin plus vaccine. Seek emergency care immediately.

Q: Should we try to catch the dog?

A: Don’t waste time trying to catch or identify the dog. Get immediate treatment. If you can observe the dog from a distance and it survives 10 days healthily, that’s helpful but not essential for treatment decisions.

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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025

Child bitten by a dog? Call Babynama immediately for urgent guidance while you head to the hospital.

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