Dog Bites and Rabies

If a stray bites you, the first thing that comes to your mind is rabies. But all dog bites don’t lead to this deadly disease. However, to prevent the possibility of any infection or bacteria you need to wash your wound with soap and water. To be on safer side see the doctor immediately and get an anti tetanus shot. But in case you have been bitten by a stray dog it is better to take an anti rabies course.

Rabies is a fatal infectious disease caused by a virus carried not only by wild animals but also by cats and dogs. The bite of an infected animal passes the virus in the humans. This virus travels from the bite to the brain. Hence, the anti rabies course is avoidable only if you can observe the dog for ten days and see no sign of rabies. The wound can be treated like any other cut. But in case you have been bitten by a stray dog it is better to take the anti rabies course.

The symptoms of rabies generally can be seen within twenty to ninety days. Once the patient has developed the symptoms, there is no cure and the person will die within four days. Unless the animal can be proved to be free of rabies the victim must take the anti rabies injection. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Usually a vaccine is given in five doses on days 0, 3, 7, 14 and 28. Normally it is sufficient to protect a victim but if the person has week immune system then extra dose is given in 90th day.

The first system of rabies is fear of water, also known as hydrophobia. Accompanied with sore throat, pain and numbness of the area where the victim has been bitten. After one or two days the victim will start developing hallucinations with a restless and agitated behavior. Gradually it will become difficult to swallow the saliva due to the muscle stiffness of neck and back. Paralysis and foaming at the mouth is also seen.