Dog bites are more common than you might think, with children often being the primary victims. Though a small bite or scratch can appear harmless, a nip can result in serious health concerns. A bite that breaks the skin should be taken seriously: When the skin is broken, harmful bacteria or deadly viruses like rabies can enter the body.
Unfortunately, many families still use traditional remedies such as chili, lemon juice, turmeric, or oil. These methods, despite seeming comforting, are usually ineffective.
The best approach is to clean the wound immediately with running water and soap for at least 15 minutes and seek prompt medical attention. If vaccination is recommended, it should not be delayed.
Also read | Dog Bites and Rabies: How to spot risks and stay safe
Dr Subhashree Samantaray, a consultant in Infectious Diseases & Adult Immunization at Manipal Hospital, Bhubaneswar, tells Moneycontrol that early and proper treatment is vital in preventing complications like rabies and severe infections. Accurate knowledge and appropriate first aid can save lives.
Keep these critical points in mind:
1. Why Are Dog Bites Dangerous?
When the skin is broken by a dog bite, bacteria and viruses can enter the body. Initial symptoms like pain, swelling, or pus may appear mild but can quickly worsen. Infections such as rabies, tetanus, or soft tissue infections can develop and, if untreated, spread to other body parts. Antibiotics or injections may be necessary to control the infection.
2. The Wrong Strategy: Myths and Home Remedies
Unfortunately, many people still rely on traditional and unsafe remedies like rubbing cow dung, lemon juice, mud, turmeric paste, or so-called magic oils on the bite. These methods are not just ineffective but dangerous. They cannot neutralise the rabies virus, which may already be spreading to the nerves and brain. Unsterile pastes like cow dung or mud can introduce spores that cause severe infections like diphtheria or clostridium. These practices can worsen the injury by trapping dirt and microbes inside the wound.
No amount of oil, spice, or herb can slow down rabies. These remedies only delay proper medical care.
Also read | Woman dies of rabies after drinking infected cow’s milk in Greater Noida; here's all you need to know
3. The Right First Aid After a Dog Bite
The first step is to clean the wound thoroughly. Wash the area with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes, which helps eliminate many virus particles. After cleaning, apply an antiseptic like povidone iodine to further reduce the risk.
However, first aid alone is not enough. Immediate medical attention is crucial.
4. Medical Treatment That Saves Lives
Proper treatment at a healthcare centre includes:
Rabies immunoglobulin: Part given intramuscularly, part infiltrated around the wound to reduce viral load.
Rabies vaccination:
- Intramuscular schedule: Day 0-3-7-14-28
- Intradermal schedule: Day 0-3-7-28
- Pre-exposure prophylaxis: Recommended for pet owners as a 2- or 3-dose schedule.
- Pet vaccination: Equally important to cut the chain of transmission.
Rabies is 100 percent fatal but also 100 percent preventable. The proven steps are immediate washing with soap and water, timely immunoglobulin administration, and vaccination. Myths like applying lemon, chili, cow dung, or magic oils do not cure; they put lives at risk. Treat dog bites with urgency, not superstition.
FAQs on Health Risks of Dog Bites
1. What are the health risks of a dog bite?
Dog bites can introduce harmful bacteria and viruses into the body, potentially leading to serious infections like rabies, tetanus, or soft tissue infections. Immediate medical attention is essential to prevent complications.
2. Why are home remedies dangerous for dog bites?
Traditional remedies such as applying chili, lemon juice, turmeric, or oil are ineffective and can worsen the injury. They cannot neutralize the rabies virus and may introduce other severe infections.
3. What should be the first step after a dog bite?
Clean the wound immediately with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes to reduce virus particles. Apply an antiseptic like povidone iodine to further minimize infection risk. Seek prompt medical attention.
4. What medical treatments are essential after a dog bite?
Key treatments include rabies immunoglobulin and vaccination. The rabies immunoglobulin reduces the viral load, while the vaccination schedule ensures protection. Immediate washing with soap and water is also crucial.
5. Is rabies preventable after a dog bite?
Yes, rabies is 100 percent preventable with timely and proper treatment. Immediate washing of the wound, followed by immunoglobulin administration and vaccination, are proven steps to prevent rabies. Avoid myths and seek professional medical care.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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