6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
This section addresses some of the most common questions patients have after being bitten by a dog.
When is a dog bite considered most dangerous? Any bite that is deep or extensive is dangerous, but the risk increases significantly if the bite is from a stray or an unknown dog where the risk of rabies cannot be determined. Bites on the hands, feet, face, and neck are also considered higher risk due to the proximity of nerves, blood vessels, and bones. This is why immediate medical evaluation for any bite is essential.
Is a dog bite from a vaccinated dog still risky? The risk of rabies from a properly vaccinated dog is extremely low. However, all dog bites carry a risk of bacterial infection and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to ensure proper wound care and to confirm the dog’s vaccination status.
How can you tell if a dog might have rabies? Signs of rabies in a dog include sudden changes in behavior (becoming unusually aggressive or timid), excessive salivation or foaming at the mouth, fear of water (hydrophobia), difficulty swallowing, paralysis (often starting in the hind legs), making unusual sounds, and sensitivity to light and noise.
Is swelling normal after a dog bite? Some minor swelling is a natural response to the trauma of the bite. However, if the swelling is significant, spreading, or accompanied by increasing pain, redness, and warmth, it is likely a sign of infection and requires immediate medical attention.
How soon do signs of infection appear? Bacterial infection symptoms typically begin to appear within the first 24 to 48 hours after the bite.
How quickly do I need to get the rabies vaccine? If a rabies exposure is suspected, the post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatment, including the first dose of the vaccine and the Rabies Immune Globulin (RIG), should begin as soon as possible after the medical evaluation.
Do all animal bites cause rabies? No. Rabies is only transmitted by an animal that is infected with the rabies virus. However, because the disease is fatal once symptoms appear, any bite from an animal with an unknown vaccination status or a wild animal must be treated as a potential exposure and evaluated by a doctor.