Taking first aid course is crucial because dogs are usually domestic, loyal, and friendly, but they can still pose a significant health risk. Close contact with humans means that dog bites, which cause 96% of rabies cases, can lead to life-threatening illnesses. Rabies is a highly severe disease and can be almost always fatal if proper medical intervention is not received promptly.
This article will discuss the causes, symptoms, first aid, rabies vaccine, preventive measures, and questions that arise in your mind regarding dog bites and rabies.
Rabies virus is generally transmitted through the saliva of a rabid dog. Rabies happens when a rabid dog bites you. Rabies virus can enter the human body in many ways: dog bites, scratches, or licking by a dog on the open wound or area like the mouth, eyes, nose, or genital area through which the virus can enter the body. The First Aid Course symptoms may appear from 10/15 days to 3/4 years after the bite. It is preventable if treated as early as possible. There is no chance of living once rabies starts showing the symptoms.
What to do when a dog bites you? (First Aid Course treatment) :
1) Clean the wounded spot under running water for 10 to 15 minutes with soap. Do not scrub or rub to clean. Soap kills the rabies virus.
2) Do not do any dressing or stitches on the injured area.
3) Dry it and apply antiseptic cream.
4) Rush to the hospital immediately.
5) Try to know the vaccination history of the dog. If you understand that the dog was already provided with a rabies vaccine, then there is nothing to fear about rabies. But, if its vaccination history has yet to be discovered, immediately go for medical First Aid Course.
Treatment is provided depending on the type of injury. WHO (World Health Organisation) has given some guidelines on how to treat rabies. Depending on the intensity of the wound,
WHO has divided the treatment procedure into 3 categories.
Category 1:
You do not need to take the vaccine if the dog licks the skin only (not on the eyes, mouth, nose, genitals area, or open wounded spot) and no scratches, broken skin, or bleeding is seen. Wash the place where the dog has licked you with soap.
Category 2:
It includes minor scratches or abrasions with no bleeding. Immediate anti-rabies vaccination (A.R.V) is required.
Category 3:
If you have a major wound, deep scratches, or bleeding due to a dog bite, you must take the anti-rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin immediately. The earlier you treat, the more risk-free it is.
Immunoglobulin stimulates the immune system and creates antibodies against the rabies virus in the body. Generally, a series of four or five vaccine shots is given to the patient.
Rabid animal:
Some symptoms are seen in the rabid animals:
Excessive saliva
Changed feeding habit
Aggressive
Seizure attack
Biting tendency
Abnormal movement
Change in barking tone
Paralysis in the lower jaw
Stay away from dogs with these symptoms and immediately consult with the authority concerned to take necessary steps so that the dog doesn’t harm anyone.
Symptoms of rabies:
Some initial symptoms are seen in the patient after rabid dog bites. These are:
Inflammation
Pain in the wounded area
Redness in the injured area
Swelling on the injured spot
Headache
Weakness
Sore throats
Fever
When the virus reaches the brain, the following symptoms are seen:
Hydrophobia (fear of drinking water) is the leading and most important symptom.)
Excitement
Abnormal behavior
Intense thirst
Aerophobia (fear of air)
Seizure attack
Hallucination
Intolerant to light and sound
In some cases, the patient goes in a paralytic form, where the patient does not feel excited.
The patient dies within a few days after showing the symptoms.
Do I need to take a vaccine if a dog bites again?
- No need to get vaccinated if a dog bites you within 3 months of completing your rabies vaccine.
- Take at least the first three doses of the rabies vaccine if a dog bites you within 3 months to 5 years after you complete the vaccine.
- Take a total dose of the rabies vaccine if it bites after 5 years or in case you cannot remember whether you took a total dose or not.
Can pet dogs cause rabies?
Any dog, be it pet or stray, can cause rabies if the dog having rabies bites you.
Location of Dog bite:
The location of a dog bite is critical. The incubation period (the time it takes for a dog bite to show symptoms of rabies) depends on the location of the bite. The Rabies virus enters the nerves and reaches the brain. If a dog bite is near the brain or nervous system, i.e., the upper body, like the neck, head, shoulders, chest, etc., the incubation period is less.
Prevention:
Get your pet dog vaccinated.
As children are more prone to dog bites, keep your children safe around dogs. Most often, we do not know whether the dog that has been bitten is a rabid one. That’s why all dogs are presumed to be rabid (unless you are sure that it is a vaccinated dog), so the patient must be immunized if required according to the instruction of WHO. A rabid dog dies within 10 days after biting. So, keep an observation on the dog that has bitten you.
Stay Prepared Sign Up for a First Aid Course
Enroll in a First Aid Course for Dog Bite Response. Understanding the prevalence of dog bites is crucial, as they can lead to serious health concerns. By taking a first aid course focused on dog bite care, you can develop the necessary skills to handle such incidents effectively. These courses offer indispensable knowledge and confidence to administer prompt treatment, which can avert severe complications and aid in healing those affected by dog bites. Ideal for parents, educators, or anyone dedicated to safety, a first aid course addressing dog bite emergencies is an essential tool for community well-being. Search for “first aid course near me” to find programs that prepare you to tackle dog bite issues confidently and competently.