Animal bites, particularly from dogs, can be more than just painful—they carry the risk of serious infections like tetanus and rabies. While dog bites are common, many people are unaware of the importance of getting a tetanus shot after being bitten. This is especially critical if the bite breaks the skin, as harmful bacteria can enter your body, potentially leading to severe health complications.
Why Is a Tetanus Shot Important After a Dog Bite?
Tetanus is a serious bacterial infection that affects the nervous system and can be fatal if left untreated. It is caused by bacteria entering the body through wounds, including minor injuries like animal bites or scratches. Tetanus bacteria can be present in dog bites, and if you’ve not had a tetanus shot in the past 10 years, you should get one immediately after the bite. If you’re unsure about when you last had a tetanus shot, it’s best to err on the side of caution and get vaccinated within 72 hours of the bite.
Many people associate tetanus with rusty nails or deep puncture wounds, but few realize that even small injuries like scratches from animals, splinters, bug bites, or minor burns can allow tetanus bacteria to enter the body. Given the risks, a tetanus shot is a necessary preventive measure following any animal bite that breaks the skin.
What to Do If You’re Bitten by a Dog
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, it’s essential to take immediate action to reduce the risk of infection. Here are the steps you should follow:
- Clean the wound immediately: Use soap and warm water to wash the bite thoroughly, then run lukewarm water over the area for at least 15 minutes to flush out bacteria. Apply antibiotic ointment if available and cover the wound with a clean bandage.
- Seek medical attention quickly: Even if the wound appears minor, visit a healthcare provider within 8 hours. At SureVax Animal Bite Centers, we offer post-bite care, including tetanus shots and rabies vaccinations, to ensure you receive the best protection.
- For serious wounds: If the bite creates a deep puncture or results in significant bleeding, apply pressure with a clean cloth or gauze to stop the bleeding and seek emergency medical attention immediately.
What If You’re Not Due for a Tetanus Shot?
A tetanus vaccination is generally effective for 10 years. However, if it’s been more than five years since your last shot, or if the bite wound is particularly dirty or deep, getting a booster shot is highly recommended. This simple step can prevent the onset of tetanus, which can cause severe muscle spasms, stiffness, and difficulty swallowing. If symptoms of tetanus develop, immediate medical care is required to avoid life-threatening complications.
Rabies: Another Concern
In addition to tetanus, rabies is another potential concern after an animal bite, especially from wild animals like bats, raccoons, skunks, or foxes. If the dog that bit you has an unknown vaccination history, it’s important to also consider getting a rabies vaccine. Even though rabies is rare in domestic animals like dogs and cats, it’s a fatal disease if left untreated, making vaccination a critical preventive measure.
Signs of Infection After a Dog Bite
Properly caring for a dog bite wound reduces the risk of infection, but it’s important to remain vigilant. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it may indicate that the wound has become infected, and you should seek medical attention promptly:
- Redness and swelling around the wound
- Difficulty moving the affected area
- Warmth or tenderness near the bite site
- Pain that persists or worsens after 24 hours
- Pus or drainage from the wound
If an infection goes untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body, leading to more severe symptoms like fever, chills, or night sweats. Prompt medical care, including the use of antibiotics, can help prevent complications.
Conclusion
Getting a tetanus shot after a dog bite is an important preventive step that should not be overlooked. Whether the bite is small or large, harmful bacteria can enter your body and lead to infections like tetanus. Even minor wounds can pose serious risks if left untreated, so it’s crucial to seek medical care as soon as possible.
At SureVax Animal Bite Centers, we offer comprehensive care following dog bites, including tetanus shots and rabies vaccinations. If you’ve been bitten, don’t delay—visit your nearest center or contact a healthcare provider to ensure you’re protected from both tetanus and rabies.
Source: Emergency Physicians, “Animal Bites: Know When to Go.”
Anti-Rabies Vaccine (Pre-Exposure)
