Dog Bite: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

A dog is often known as the most faithful animal and human’s best friend. In spite of the friendly nature of dogs, some dogs turn aggressive at times and end up biting the person. The research speaks dog bites are most common and account for more than 90% of the animal bite all over the world. Added to that, it is around 4.5 million people in the US being a victim of a dog bite every year and increasing number of victims that calls for surgical issues.

A dog bite carries infection caused by bacteria that get inside the tissues of the human. Bacteria that are involved in causing infection from dog bite include Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and Pasteurella. However, if the cause of the dog bite is concerned, one cannot blame the entire thing on dogs always.

It has been observed that increase in dog bites has recently been the cause of disturbance on the part of the human beings. People are seen to disturb the dogs while eating and teasing them making them furious and aggressive to humans. This mostly occurs in case of street dogs, whereas, dogs that are kept as a pet at home are found rare to attack people considered they don’t smell something fishy and risky.

On the other hand, a dog bite injection course does not always result in rabies infection in the victim‘s body, it depends whether the dog has got a rabies infection in the blood. However, in order to remain safe from dog bites, it is generally advised not to go close to dogs that are unknown. Along with that, dogs that look aggressive are better to be avoided while you are not to run or scream if you face an angry dog. In case if a street dog bites you, consulting with a doctor would be safe and risk-free.

No, it is unnecessary for all dogs to cause rabies. However, if you have been bitten by a dog, you should be treated immediately. It is basically a precautionary measure to avoid rabies as you never know if the dog has been vaccinated for rabies or not.

If someone is bitten by a dog, then he/she should seek medical attention in the following conditions:

• If develops a red, puffy, and painful wound.
• If feeling feverish.
• Wound with uncontrollable bleeding.
• Warm wound.
• A deep wound.
• If you have not had your tetanus shot in the last 5 years.

It is very difficult to speak of the severity of the Dog Bite in just a few minutes. However, the alarming signs of Dog Bites consist of non-stop bleeding or the development of an infection. It is extremely important to treat a Dog Bite if it breaks the layer of your skin. It can become deadly if you develop an infection. In addition, open Dog Bite sores must be treated immediately to prevent further infection.

The person who is bitten by a dog is eligible for the treatment. However, treatment procedure differs depending on the intensity and severity of injury.

The person who has not experienced any injury from any dog or not bitten by dogs do not require this treatment.

On being prescribed the course of rabies vaccine, you need to be prepared for certain side effects pertaining to the rabies vaccine for consecutive few days. These side effects are an excessive headache, dizziness may give rise to stomach pain, muscle pain and nausea.

Further, body fever that can rise up to 104 is much expected while you are undergoing rabies vaccine. Breathing, swallowing and eye movement problems also remain some of the side effects of the dog bite vaccine.

Even if the injury is deep, the stitching is not allowed. This is because stitching may result in storing the germ in the injured area and further spread the infection into the blood. After you are done with five doses of rabies vaccine, you can feel safe. However, intake of alcohol during this period and even after the vaccination has been restricted for some days. Alcohol result in prohibiting the manufacture of various antibodies in the body and thus does not produce proper results.

Recovery depends on how much big is the injury. Previously rabies vaccine included 5 doses that are injected into the blood at strict intervals. Currently, the revised and advanced version of rabies includes 3 doses. The first dose should be given within minimum hours of the dog bite, 2nd dose in an interval of 7 days while the 3rd one is required to take in an interval of 28 days from the 1st dose.

The treatment cost of a dog bite varies on the intensity of the injury of the victim. A rabies vaccine that stands necessary cost around 1000 INR for each dose. Overall it costs around 5000 INR for the entire treatment process.

In spite of various side effects of rabies vaccine, it makes sure to produce the antibodies in the blood and kill the rabies infection. In case of severe injury around the head and the neck, hospitalisation or intense medication is required. This takes more time for recovery.

If you have been bitten by a dog recently, then there are some dietary restrictions that you must follow. In India, various studies have been done and the results have found out that spicy food, potatoes, tomatoes, coriander, dhal, and meat should be avoided completely during Dog Bites. Some people don't even take a bath until seven days.

Doctors generally prescribe antibiotics or acidophilus along with judging if the injury requires a rabies vaccine. However, the usefulness of natural products stands inevitable and use of chilli powder, gentian extract, chamomile tincture, garlic and Echinacea tea largely helps in the recovery process. Plantain can be used to stop bleeding in the wounds.

Summary: Dog Bite can become serious if left untreated. So, it is better you seek medical help if your skin has been broken by the bite. Also, you need to monitor your wound for 24 hours to prevent further infection. Remember that all Dog Bites do not cause rabies. But immediate treatment is a necessary post-Dog Bite.