What to Do After a Dog Bite in Thailand: A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever experienced this? Walking peacefully down the street only to be chased and barked at by a local dog. Or perhaps you approached a cute stray cat to pet its head, only to be scratched instead. So, what should you do if you are accidentally bitten by a dog or cat? How can you stay safe, avoid infection, and prevent rabies? This article provides the answers.

What to do if you get bitten by a dog?

1. First of all, don’t panic. Stay calm.

2. Immediately wash the wound thoroughly with clean water and soap multiple times. If there is a wound, wash it deeply for at least 10 minutes. Then, disinfect with an antiseptic or saline solution.

3. Treat the affected area according to the type of wound and the risk of infection.

The dangers of rabies

Rabies is a viral infection that affects the nervous system. It can infect all mammals, including humans, dogs, cats, monkeys, squirrels, and bats. This disease causes neurological symptoms, including confusion, restlessness, difficulty swallowing, fear of water, seizures, and eventually death. Currently, there is no cure for rabies, and once symptoms appear, the disease is always fatal.

In the last ten years, the number of cases has dropped from hundreds to fewer than ten per year. However, rabies is still found annually. In 2024, there were two cases of rabies in Thailand, both resulting in death. The cause was dog bites that led to bleeding, but the victims didn’t seek medical attention.

Risk of rabies infection

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the risk of rabies infection depends on the wound and the potential exposure to the saliva or blood of the animal, categorized as follows:

1. Category I: Contact with intact skin, such as petting a dog or cat without any wounds – low risk. Just washing is enough.

2. Category II: Minor bites, scratches, bruises, or exposure to saliva, or consuming raw meat suspected of rabies infection – moderate risk. Visit a hospital to receive a rabies vaccine.

3. Category III: Bites or scratches with visible bleeding – high risk. Visit a hospital immediately to receive both the rabies vaccine and immunoglobulin at the wound site.

- If you’ve been vaccinated against rabies before, or received preventive shots more than 6 months, you’ll need a booster.

- The vaccine becomes effective within 14 days after your immune response, while immunoglobulin works immediately.

Risk of tetanus infection

Tetanus is caused by a toxin from the bacterium Clostridium tetani, which is found in soil, dust, and animal feces. These bacteria can enter deep wounds and release a toxin that affects the nervous system, causing muscle stiffness and spasms. Dog bites can be dirty and carry the risk of tetanus infection. A tetanus shot is recommended. If you've never been vaccinated, you'll need the full course. If your last shot was over five years ago, a booster is required. Most Thais who follow the standard vaccination schedule will have already received a full course of tetanus shots as children.

Risk of bacterial infection at the wound site

Dog and cat saliva contains bacteria that can cause infection. For large, deep wounds or those on the hands or face, antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection for 3-5 days. Keep the wound dry and avoid introducing any foreign objects.

In summary, what should you do if bitten by a dog?

If the incident falls under Category II or III, go to the nearest healthcare facility as soon as possible to clean the wound, get vaccinated, receive immunoglobulin, and take antibiotics. Delaying treatment may result in a rabies infection, which is fatal, or severe wound infection that could lead to amputation or blood poisoning. The rabies vaccine should be administered as soon as possible for the best effectiveness.

How are the vaccines administered?

- Rabies vaccine: Administered into the muscle or under the skin, usually in the upper arm. It is a 5-dose course on days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28. If you've been vaccinated within the past six months, only two booster doses are needed. The vaccine is the same worldwide and can be completed anywhere.

- Rabies serum immunoglobulin: Injected around the wound as much as possible, with a maximum dose of 40 IU/kg, ideally within seven days.

- Tetanus vaccine: Administered into the upper arm. It's a 3-dose course or a single booster if your last shot was more than five years ago.

Side effects of the vaccines

Because vaccines are foreign substances, they may cause pain, swelling, redness, or itching at the injection site, as well as fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, or severe allergic reactions. Watch for symptoms such as a rash, facial swelling, difficulty breathing, palpitations, dizziness, or weakness. Observe for 30 minutes after receiving the vaccine.

What are vaccines and immunoglobulins?

- Vaccines: Contain inactive viruses to stimulate your immune system to produce antibodies. It takes time to develop immunity.

- Serum Immunoglobulins: Provide immediate protection by injecting antibodies that have been pre-formed in another organism and extracted for use.

What should you do with the dog?

If the dog has an owner, they should quarantine the dog for 10 days to observe for symptoms. If the animal dies, it should be sent to the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute or the Department of Medical Sciences for testing.

Can you claim compensation from the dog owner?

Yes, the owner is responsible under Section 377 of the Penal Code. Anyone who fails to control a dangerous animal, allowing it to roam freely and potentially harm a person or property, may face imprisonment for up to one month or a fine of up to 10,000 baht, or both.

According to the 2014 Cruelty Prevention and Animal Welfare Act, owners must not abandon their animals without a valid reason. Violations can result in a fine of up to 40,000 baht. If someone is injured by a dog due to the owner's negligence, they may also have to pay compensation, including medical expenses and lost income, under Section 433 of the Civil and Commercial Code.

Stay safe and rabies-free! Best wishes.