What To Do After a Dog Bite in India

Dog bites are a serious public health concern in India, with thousands of cases reported every year. A single bite can expose victims to rabies, a deadly viral infection that is 100% fatal if untreated but 100% preventable with timely care.

Knowing what to do immediately after a dog bite can save lives. Below is a step-by-step response table that every individual, family, and community should know.

✅ Dog Bite Response & Recovery Table

Step	Action	Details
1. Immediate Washing (First 15 Minutes)	Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes.	This is the most important first step. It helps flush out saliva, dirt, and viruses before they spread deeper into the tissue. Avoid scrubbing too hard to prevent tissue damage.
2. Control Bleeding	Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or sterile gauze until bleeding stops.	Do not apply soil, chili, turmeric, or any unverified remedies — these increase infection risk.
3. Seek Medical Help (Within Hours)	Visit the nearest hospital or government-approved clinic immediately.	Doctors will assess the wound, provide anti-rabies vaccination (ARV), wound cleaning, antibiotics (if needed), and a tetanus booster.
4. Rabies Vaccination (Mandatory)	Rabies requires a post-exposure vaccine schedule.	Multiple doses are given over 28 days (Day 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28). In severe cases (Category III bites), rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) is also injected around the wound. Do not miss any dose.
5. Monitor for Infection	Observe the wound daily.	Look for redness, swelling, warmth, pus, or fever. Seek medical help immediately if symptoms worsen.
6. Report the Bite	Inform local authorities.	Contact animal control, police, or municipal health officials so the dog can be observed for rabies symptoms for 10 days.
7. Home Wound Care	Keep the wound clean, dry, and covered with a sterile bandage.	Change dressings daily. Avoid oil, herbs, or powders — these can worsen infection.
8. Rabies Helplines (India)	Use verified numbers for guidance and emergencies.	- National Helpline: 15400  - Delhi Animal Helpline: 0120-6025400  - PETA India: 098201 22602  - Local hospitals may also provide emergency hotlines.

⚠️ Important Safety Notes

1. Never ignore even a small bite, lick, or scratch. Rabies can spread through saliva, even if blood is not visible.

2. Do not delay vaccination. Rabies incubation can vary from weeks to months, but once symptoms appear, it is too late for treatment.

3. Avoid unlicensed healers or traditional remedies. Only trained medical professionals should handle rabies exposure.

4. Vaccinate your pets regularly. This is the most effective way to break the rabies transmission cycle in India.

5. Educate children and communities. Most victims in India are children under 15 years old — awareness saves lives.

🧠 Final Word

Every dog bite should be treated as a medical emergency. Fast, informed action — wash, vaccinate, report, and monitor — can mean the difference between life and death.

👉 Share this guide with your family, school, or community groups to help prevent rabies-related deaths in India. Together, we can eliminate rabies through awareness and vaccination.