I'm a bit worried because I've been bitten by a dog, and I'm not certain if the dog has been immunized. Should I consult a particular type of doctor in this situation? And is it possible to check if the dog is vaccinated for rabies before I need to get any shots myself?

Dr Kareemulla Shaik

General Practitioner

• MBBS
• 0+ Yrs

Consult Now

you:

Immediate Steps

1. Wash the wound: Immediately wash the bite area with soap and water.
2. Apply antibiotic ointment: Apply an antibiotic ointment to the affected area.
3. Seek medical attention: Visit a doctor as soon as possible.

Consulting a Doctor

1. Primary Care Physician (PCP): You can start by consulting your PCP, who will assess the wound and provide guidance on further treatment.
2. Emergency Room (ER) Doctor: If the bite is severe or you're experiencing symptoms like fever, chills, or swelling, visit the ER.
3. Infectious Disease Specialist: In some cases, your doctor may refer you to an infectious disease specialist for further evaluation and treatment.

Rabies Vaccination

1. Assessing the dog's vaccination status: If possible, try to determine the dog's vaccination status. If the dog is up-to-date on its rabies vaccination, the risk of transmission is lower.
2. Getting the dog checked: If the dog's vaccination status is unknown, it's recommended to have the dog observed for 10 days. If the dog remains healthy during this period, the risk of rabies transmission is low.
3. Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): If the dog's vaccination status is unknown or the dog is not available for observation, your doctor may recommend PEP, which includes immediate vaccination against rabies and administration of rabies immunoglobulin.

Answered 04/07/2025