Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is Anti-rabies Vaccination Necessary For A Dog Bite?
Question: Hi,
Yesterday evening I was bit by my dog. this has never happened before and he is up to date on shots. The bite broke the skins and was rather deep. Late last night is when the wound itself felt at its worse. was certainly better when I woke up and throughout the day but is now much more swollen. I do not feel extremely feverish but maybe a little bit.
is this something that will heal just fine on its own? again not much blood loss but very deep bite right on the vein.
Yesterday evening I was bit by my dog. this has never happened before and he is up to date on shots. The bite broke the skins and was rather deep. Late last night is when the wound itself felt at its worse. was certainly better when I woke up and throughout the day but is now much more swollen. I do not feel extremely feverish but maybe a little bit.
is this something that will heal just fine on its own? again not much blood loss but very deep bite right on the vein.
Brief Answer:
Need antibiotics. Is the dog well vaccinated against rabies?
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about this bite. We have two major concerns that need to be addressed.
1. If the dog is fully vaccinated against rabies, then there is no need for rabies vaccines and immunoglobuins at this time. If it is not, then you need to be vaccinated.
2. There is a huge risk of infection. For that, you need the wound thoroughly cleansed and antibiotics such as Amoxicillin-clavulate for 7days. You would need a doctor's script for this.
3. Paracetamol for pain management would be a great way to go.
I hope this helps. I Wish you well. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Need antibiotics. Is the dog well vaccinated against rabies?
Detailed Answer:
Hi and thanks for this query.
I am so sorry to hear about this bite. We have two major concerns that need to be addressed.
1. If the dog is fully vaccinated against rabies, then there is no need for rabies vaccines and immunoglobuins at this time. If it is not, then you need to be vaccinated.
2. There is a huge risk of infection. For that, you need the wound thoroughly cleansed and antibiotics such as Amoxicillin-clavulate for 7days. You would need a doctor's script for this.
3. Paracetamol for pain management would be a great way to go.
I hope this helps. I Wish you well. Feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
He is well vaccinated yes. As for pain management, the pain is very minimal and does not bother me. the only thing I would be worried about is infection. Right after I was bit I used some hand sanitizer covered the single cut in antibacterial cream and put a bandage on. I have swapped bandages about 4 or 5 times now adding more antibacterial each time.
This has been about 31 hours at this point and there is slight swelling around the wound. Any fever I have if any is very slight. so if you still recommend I go see a doctor for antibiotics is this something that can wait another 8 hours?
My only other option would be the ER at this hour
This has been about 31 hours at this point and there is slight swelling around the wound. Any fever I have if any is very slight. so if you still recommend I go see a doctor for antibiotics is this something that can wait another 8 hours?
My only other option would be the ER at this hour
Brief Answer:
Yes, you need antibiotics. Can wait another 8hours!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Antibiotics in this context are highly indicated. It is a systematic approach as the mouth of animals(even humans) if full of several different germs. All animal and human bites need antibiotics especially for deep and tiny lesions.
Thanks and keep me posted on how this unfolds.
Yes, you need antibiotics. Can wait another 8hours!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Antibiotics in this context are highly indicated. It is a systematic approach as the mouth of animals(even humans) if full of several different germs. All animal and human bites need antibiotics especially for deep and tiny lesions.
Thanks and keep me posted on how this unfolds.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Last question. You said I can wait 8 hours or I can't. Again it's already been 31 hours and so far there is only a little bit of swelling and a tiny fever if any.
sorry, I just wanted to confirm
Thank you very much for the assistance.
sorry, I just wanted to confirm
Thank you very much for the assistance.
Brief Answer:
You can wait another 8hours!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I will not say you should go to the ER for this. Another 8hours and you talk to your regular doctor is good enough.
Feel free to ask as many questions as you please. Never feel for a second am worried, i rather appreciate that the discussions carries on until all your worries are fully addressed with clear directives on what to do next.
I wish you well and keep me updated with your progress.
You can wait another 8hours!
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I will not say you should go to the ER for this. Another 8hours and you talk to your regular doctor is good enough.
Feel free to ask as many questions as you please. Never feel for a second am worried, i rather appreciate that the discussions carries on until all your worries are fully addressed with clear directives on what to do next.
I wish you well and keep me updated with your progress.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
