Is Rabies Vaccine Necessary After Being Bitten By Dog?

Posted on Sat, 18 Jul 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 18 Jul 2015 Answered on

Fri, 7 Aug 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My 21 year old son was bit on the upper calf below his knee by a neighbors dog. It broke the skin and there are teeth marks. He is experiencing a lot of pain and swelling and it hurts to walk and he is a big tough guy. He was wearing jeans and there were no holes in the jeans. What should he do?

Answered by Dr. Sheetal Verma (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Yes vaccinations needed.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for your query at HCM.

I understand your concern and situation.
I would suggest that you must get your son get rabies vaccination completed at days 0,3,7,14 ,28,90. In case of dog bite doctors do not take risk as if rabies develops it is 100% fatal. So clean the wound apply iodine containing compounds like betadine. Visit a physician and start vaccinations.

Hope I answered your query
If no clarification then you can close the discussion and rate the answer. A review will be appreciated.
Dr Sheetal Verma

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E