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🩺 Dog Bite Information & First Aid (India)

What to do immediately, how to classify exposure, and the correct post-exposure vaccine schedules followed in India.

🐕 Types of Wounds

Identify the wound type to decide the right next steps.

Scratch (No Bleeding)

Scratch (No Bleeding)

Superficial mark from nail/paw; intact skin or faint line.

Superficial Bite

Superficial Bite

Tooth mark on skin, minimal or no bleeding. Still risky if dog is unobserved.

Deep Puncture

Deep Puncture

One or more bleeding punctures. Higher rabies and infection risk.

Multiple/Torn Wounds

Multiple/Torn Wounds

Multiple bites, crush or torn skin. Needs medical and sometimes legal attention.

☠️ Rabies: Why it is serious

  • Rabies is almost always fatal after symptoms start; prevention with timely post-exposure prophylaxis is essential.
  • Transmission is via saliva from bites or scratches or mucosal exposure.
  • Early wound washing plus the correct vaccine schedule saves lives.

⛑️ What to do immediately

  1. Wash the wound with running water and soap for 10–15 minutes. If available, irrigate with diluted povidone-iodine.
  2. Do not apply chili, turmeric, oils, or irritants. Avoid tight bandaging unless bleeding heavily.
  3. Visit a doctor as soon as possible for ARV (and RIG if Category III).
  4. Tetanus booster as advised (often if > 5 years since last shot).
  5. If a pet dog or cat, request vaccination records and observe the animal for 10 days if possible. Do not delay starting PEP while waiting.

🧭 Classify exposure (WHO)

CATEGORY I

Category I (Touch/Intact Skin)

Examples: Touching or feeding animals, licks on intact skin; no bite or scratch.
Action: Wash hands. No vaccine needed.
CATEGORY II

Category II (Minor)

Examples: Nibbling of uncovered skin, minor scratches or abrasions without bleeding.
Action: Wound wash plus anti-rabies vaccine (ARV) using IM or ID schedule below. No RIG needed.
CATEGORY III

Category III (Severe)

Examples: Transdermal bites or scratches with bleeding; licks on broken skin; saliva contamination of mucosa.
Action: Wound wash plus ARV and RIG or RMAb infiltrated into and around wounds as much as possible on Day 0 (up to Day 7 if missed).

RIG (HRIG or eRIG) or licensed rabies monoclonal antibody (RMAb) is for Category III only and is infiltrated into and around wounds on Day 0. Acceptable up to Day 7 if missed initially.

💉 Anti-rabies vaccine schedules (India)

Intramuscular (IM) — 4 dose (Essen)

Use when ID facilities are not available.

  • Days: 0, 3, 7, 14
  • Site: Deltoid (anterolateral thigh for small children). Avoid gluteal region.
  • Category III: Add RIG or RMAb infiltration on Day 0 (up to Day 7 if missed).

Intradermal (ID) — 1-week, 2-site per visit

Cost-effective schedule used at trained centres.

  • Days: 0, 3, 7
  • Dose: 0.1 mL at two sites per visit (for example, both deltoids).
  • Category III: Add RIG or RMAb infiltration on Day 0 (up to Day 7 if missed).

Some clinicians add a Day-28 dose in special situations such as immunocompromised patients. Follow your doctor’s advice.

Already vaccinated in the past: many patients receive two doses on Days 0 and 3 with no RIG. Your clinician will confirm based on records.

📢 Final advice

  • Do not ignore a bite or scratch; seek medical care immediately.
  • Complete the vaccine course and RIG if indicated.
  • Keep a record of doses. Observe the biting dog or cat for 10 days when possible without delaying PEP.

This page provides general information and is not a substitute for professional medical care.