What if your dog bit you with rabies?

If your dog bites you and you suspect it may have rabies, it's crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Rabies is a deadly viral infection of the brain and spinal cord that is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.

Here's what you should do if your dog bites you and rabies is suspected:

1. Wash the Wound: Thoroughly wash the bite wound with soap and water for at least 15 minutes. This helps remove any rabies virus present on the skin.

2. Seek Medical Attention: Go to the nearest emergency department or urgent care center as soon as possible. Inform the medical professional that you were bitten by a dog and suspect it might have rabies.

3. Rabies Vaccination: If you haven't been previously vaccinated against rabies, you'll need to start the rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) immediately. This involves a series of injections to prevent the virus from developing.

4. Quarantine the Dog: If possible, safely confine or quarantine your dog to prevent further exposure to other people or animals. Contact animal control or your veterinarian for guidance.

5. Test the Dog for Rabies: If your dog is still alive, arrangements should be made to have it tested for rabies. This usually involves submitting brain tissue samples for examination.

6. Observe the Dog: If your dog survives for 10 days after biting you and shows no signs of rabies, it's likely rabies-free. However, it's still essential to follow your doctor's instructions and complete the rabies vaccination series.

Remember, rabies is a serious and time-sensitive medical emergency. Prompt action and seeking immediate medical attention are crucial to preventing severe complications and reducing the risk of rabies transmission.