What should you know about dog bite rabies injection?

Rabies is a serious infection that can spread through saliva from an infected animal, usually through a bite or contamination of broken skin. Post-exposure treatment can include rabies vaccine and, for some exposures, rabies immunoglobulin placed around the wound. The decision depends on the bite, the dog’s health and availability for observation, and local public-health advice. A dog bite does not automatically mean rabies, but the need for assessment should not be delayed.

Wash the wound straight away with plenty of running water and soap, then cover it with a clean dressing. Do not seal a deep puncture yourself or apply irritant chemicals. Seek urgent medical assessment and describe where the bite happened, whether the skin broke, and whether the dog can be safely identified or observed. Bring any vaccination or travel information you have. Read more about [Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis](/treatments/acute-and-urgent-care/rabies-post-exposure-prophylaxis/) and [Rabies Vaccination](/treatments/preventive-care-and-vaccination/rabies-vaccination/).

Get urgent help for a bite on the face, hand, foot, or near a joint; heavy bleeding; a deep or gaping wound; numbness; or trouble moving the affected area. Prompt assessment is also needed if the dog is stray, behaving unusually, unavailable for observation, or the bite occurred while travelling. Worsening redness, swelling, warmth, discharge, or fever may indicate a separate wound infection.

Ask whether you need rabies post-exposure treatment, whether immunoglobulin is appropriate, and when each vaccine dose is due. Check whether you need tetanus protection, antibiotics, wound closure, or follow-up. Tell the clinician about immune problems, pregnancy, regular medicines, and any previous rabies vaccination.