#FirstAid: What to do if you are scratched or bitten by a dog
It is important to be knowledgeable about dog rabies and how dangerous it is. It is also important to know what to do in case of a dog bite, whether on the hand or face or other parts of the body. Even a dog scratch should also be paid attention to and know what to do.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one Asian dies every 15 minutes due to rabies infection. Most of these are children aged 15 and below.
Based on the Department of Health (DOH), there are 200-300 cases of rabies infection recorded in the Philippines every year. All of these cases have been reported to be fatal due to the said infection. Meanwhile, if a dog scratch causes a wound, it is important to consult a doctor immediately.
Background photo created by photoangel – www.freepik.com
According to Dr. Arthur Dessi Roman, an infectious disease specialist, rabies is most commonly contracted by dogs. Although it can also infect other animals and even humans.
Statement by Dr. Roman,
He added that rabies is a virus that can be found in the saliva and other body fluids of infected humans or animals. It is transmitted or infected when a person with a wound is exposed to it.
But Dr. Roman explained, not all animals or dogs are infected with rabies. Although it is not easy to determine which animals are infected and which are not. If a dog scratch causes a wound, it is important to be careful.
“Rabies is a bullet-shaped virus that is present in the saliva and other body fluids of infected humans or animals. And it is transmitted by infected saliva through bites, wounds or mucosal exposure. So the animal that bites you must be infected with the rabies virus. And not all animal bites will result in rabies infection. But unfortunately, we don’t know which animals are infected and which are not.”
Dr. Roman advises that there are two ways to protect yourself and your family from rabies infection. This is by getting vaccinated against the infection, which can be given to you and your pet dog, especially if there is a dog scratch.
said Dr. Roman. Registered nurse Nornelie Paniza said it is also better to be prepared in case a dog bites a member of our family.
The Department of Health advises that this can be done if we have knowledge of first aid for dog bites, such as dog scratches. This is through the following according to Paniza.
People photo created by user18526052 – www.freepik.com
First of all, calm and reassure the child or anyone who has been bitten by a dog, Paniza advised. The patient should also be taken to the hospital or doctor immediately, but first aid should also be applied.
Here are the first aid steps according to Paniza.
Image from Cleveland Clinic Org
Dr. Roman added that aside from the above-mentioned first aid for dog bites, other commonly believed methods of treating dog bites are not safe. Such as rubbing garlic on the dog bite and sucking on it are all dangerous.
This is Dr. Roman’s explanation.
The treatment given for rabies infection caused by dog bites is based on the severity of the wound sustained by the victim. According to Dr. Roman, it is divided into three categories.
Then category 1 is just the one where there is no break in the skin. But your skin has been exposed like from feeding or touching the animal. And all you need to do is wash the area for 10-15 minutes.”
This is Dr. Roman’s explanation.
Yes, it is possible to get rabies from a dog scratch, but it is more commonly transmitted through a bite. Here are some important things to know:
When scratched or bitten by a dog:
If in doubt, it is best to immediately consult a health center or hospital for proper advice.
Paniza also has additional advice on how your family can prevent rabies infection. These are the following:
If you are bitten by a dog on any part of your body, whether it is the face or the arm, it is important to consult your doctor. Here is the information you should have ready when you visit the doctor:
People with diabetes, liver disease, and other diseases that affect the immune system may have a higher chance of developing severe infections.
When visiting a doctor after being bitten by a dog, here are some things you can do to treat the wound caused by a dog bite:
Symptoms of rabies in humans
There are various symptoms that a person may experience if they are infected with rabies.
Initial symptoms:
Symptoms of severe effects of rabies that can lead to death:
To prevent rabies, it is best to do the following:
- Give your pet dog or animal a complete vaccination.
- Protect or keep your pet away from wild animals
- Report stray animals or wandering dogs and cats to your local authorities.
- Do not approach wild animals.
- For those in suburban areas, make sure that bats cannot enter your home. Stay away from them and avoid them as well.
- Get a preemptive vaccine especially if you have pets or if your work is related to animals.
Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!
