What to Do If You Are Bitten by a Dog: First Aid, When to See a Doctor, and Rabies Risk
First, Wash the Wound Thoroughly
If you are bitten by a dog, the most important step is to clean the wound as soon as possible. Rinse the area thoroughly under running water. If available, use soap and wash the wound for several minutes. A dog’s mouth contains many bacteria, and even a small bite can lead to infection.
If the wound is bleeding, apply firm pressure using clean gauze or a cloth. Minor bleeding often stops within a few minutes. If bleeding does not stop, seek medical attention promptly.
Seek Medical Care as Soon as Possible
Dog bite wounds have a high risk of infection, so medical evaluation is recommended even if the wound appears minor. You should seek medical care immediately if:
- The wound is deep or bleeding does not stop
- The injury involves the face, hands, joints, or genital area
- The patient is a child, an older adult, or has underlying conditions such as diabetes
- The bite was caused by a stray dog or a dog with unknown vaccination status
Infection and Antibiotics
Dog bites carry a significant risk of bacterial infection, and antibiotics may be prescribed when necessary. In particular, bites to the hands or face and deep wounds have a higher risk of infection, and preventive antibiotic treatment may be considered.
In some cases, the wound is not closed immediately. Due to the risk of infection, the doctor will decide whether suturing is appropriate based on the condition of the wound.
Tetanus and Rabies Risk
Contaminated wounds may require tetanus prevention. If it has been a long time since your last tetanus vaccination or if your vaccination history is unclear, a booster may be recommended.
If you are bitten outside Japan, or by a stray dog or a dog with unknown vaccination history, rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) may be necessary. Rabies is extremely rare in Japan, but it remains a serious concern in many parts of the world.
When to See a Doctor (Important)
Seek medical attention promptly if you experience any of the following:
- Increasing redness or swelling around the wound
- Warmth or severe pain
- Pus or discharge
- Fever
These may be signs of infection and require early treatment.
Treatment at the Clinic or Hospital
At a medical facility, the doctor will assess the wound and provide appropriate care, which may include:
- Wound cleaning and disinfection
- Bleeding control
- Sutures (stitches) or open wound management
- Antibiotic treatment
- Tetanus prevention
- Rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (if needed)
Depending on the severity, specialized medical care may be required. If you are unsure, it is always best to seek medical attention early.
If you are visiting Osaka and need medical care for a dog bite or injury, International Clinic Osaka Shinsaibashi (ICOS) provides same-day, English-speaking medical services.
International travelers are welcome and can receive care with confidence.
We are located on the 4th floor of the Zenith Building, 1-13-25 Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka.
Phone: +81-6-6484-6392
Email: c.icos@international-clinic-osaka.com