Dog bite first aid: What to do in the first 15 minutes to prevent rabies

Whether bitten by a pet or a stray, knowing the right first aid steps can prevent infection and rabies and speed up recovery, say health experts

A dog bite often happens in a split second during a walk, at home, or while playing with a familiar pet. Even when the injury looks minor, the danger of infection and rabies remains. Knowing what to do immediately after a bite can significantly lower health risks and aid faster healing.

 

According to Dr Siri Nallapu, General Practitioner, Apollo 24|7 Clinic, Hyderabad, timely wound care is one of the most effective defences after a bite. “If you can only do one thing while arranging medical care, wash the wound thoroughly under running water. It’s one of the most impactful, low-tech steps available,” she says.

 

Why quick first aid matters after a dog bite

 

Dog bites carry risks beyond bleeding. Dog mouths contain bacteria such as Pasteurella, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and anaerobes, which can trigger infection, especially with deep wounds or bites on the hands, face or near joints.

 

“Early dog bite first aid — especially copious wound washing — reduces the bacterial load and lowers the chance of infection,” explains Dr Nallapu. People with diabetes, poor circulation or weakened immunity are at higher risk and may need antibiotics and closer follow-up from the outset.

 

Timing is critical. Washing within minutes can prevent bacteria from embedding deeper into tissues.

 

Immediate first aid: What to do in the first 10–15 minutes

 

Clean your hands

• Wash or sanitise your hands before touching the wound, if possible.

 

If the bleeding is heavy or uncontrolled, stop the bleeding first

• Apply firm pressure with clean gauze or cloth for 10–15 minutes without checking.
• If bleeding is severe, spurting, or the person feels faint, seek emergency help immediately.

 

If the bleeding is mild or moderate, wash the wound first

• Rinse under running tap water or saline for at least 10 -15 minutes; 15 minutes is better if the wound is dirty.
• Use mild soap around the wound edges, not deep inside.
• Avoid hydrogen peroxide or harsh antiseptics inside the wound as they can damage healthy tissue.

 

Gentle debris removal

• Remove visible dirt with clean tweezers.
• Do not probe deep puncture wounds.

 

Post-bite vaccinations: What you need to know

 

Rabies vaccine: Given as a series of 4 doses (days 0, 3, 7 and 14).

Approximate cost: ₹350–₹600 per dose in government facilities; higher in private hospitals

 

Rabies immunoglobulin (RIG): Needed for severe bites (deep wounds, multiple bites, face or hand injuries) or when the dog is unvaccinated or unknown. It is given once, infiltrated around the wound.

Approximate cost: ₹2,000–₹6,000, depending on type and body weight, lower in government facilities

 

Tetanus shot: Required if your last tetanus booster was more than five years ago.

Approximate cost: ₹50–₹150

 

Pain control and basic care

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can help, unless contraindicated by a healthcare provider. Keep the wound clean and dry.

 

Build a dog bite first aid kit at home

 

Essentials

• Sterile saline or clean squeeze bottle for irrigation
• Gauze, non-stick pads, bandages and tape
• Gloves, hand sanitiser, tweezers, scissors
• Antibiotic ointment (as advised)
• Cold pack for swelling

 

A simple action card for the kit: Stop bleeding → Wash for 5–10 minutes → Assess rabies/tetanus risk → Seek care if unsure.

 

When to seek medical care and when home care may be considered

 

Get urgent medical help if:

 

• Bleeding is heavy or uncontrolled
• The bite is on the face, hand, fingers, genitals or near a joint
• There are deep punctures, crushed tissue, numbness or movement difficulty
• The dog is unknown, unvaccinated or cannot be observed
• The victim is a child or has diabetes or low immunity

 

Home care may be reasonable only for very superficial wounds in healthy adults, after thorough washing and close monitoring.

 

Stitches or no stitches?

 

Many dog bite wounds are left open to reduce infection risk, especially on hands or with puncture injuries. Facial wounds may be closed earlier for cosmetic reasons, after proper cleaning. This decision should always be made by a doctor.

 

Specific bite scenarios and prevention

 

Dr Kishalay Datta, Senior Director, Emergency & Trauma, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi, notes that dogs cause most bite injuries, often with tearing wounds. Cat bites, though smaller, get infected quickly, while wild animal bites carry a higher rabies risk and need immediate medical attention.

 

Rat bites, which are relatively common in crowded urban settings, can transmit infections such as rat-bite fever and should always be medically assessed. Mammals, including bats, raccoons and monkeys, are more likely to carry rabies, making urgent medical attention essential.

 

Tips to prevent bites

 

• Teaching children safe behaviour around pets
• Vaccinating and training pets
• Never disturbing animals while eating or caring for young ones
• Avoiding sudden movements or aggressive behaviour around stray or unfamiliar animals
• For pet parents, regular vet check-ups, training and supervision around children remain key.

 

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This report is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.