What should you know about puppy bites and rabies?

Rabies is transmitted through infected saliva, usually when a bite breaks the skin. The risk assessment depends on the puppy’s health, vaccination record, origin, behaviour, and whether it can be safely observed. The bite itself does not prove that the puppy has rabies, but uncertainty should be handled by a healthcare professional and local animal-health services.

Move away from the animal safely, then wash and flush the wound with soap and running water. Avoid sealing a deep wound yourself or applying irritating chemicals. Keep details about the puppy, its owner, the location, and the time of the bite. Arrange urgent medical care for wound treatment and an assessment for Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis. Do not wait for the wound to become painful or for the animal to become unwell.

Seek urgent care for every bite that breaks skin when the puppy’s vaccination status is unknown, the animal is stray or unavailable, or the bite occurred while travelling. Go immediately for heavy bleeding, a deep wound, a bite to the face, hand, or near a joint, or signs of infection such as spreading redness, warmth, swelling, or drainage.

Ask whether the wound needs closure or a tetanus review, whether rabies prevention is indicated, and how follow-up should be arranged while the puppy’s status is checked.