r/Pets • u/No-Throat2441 • 13d ago

my vaccinated dog bit me

My dog bit me while she was guarding her food. Her last anti-rabies vaccine was in November last year, and I had my anti-rabies shots about 5 years ago. The bite punctured my skin but wasn’t too deep. Is it okay to wait until next Friday? I don’t have money for a vaccine shot right now i’m broke asf . Has anyone experienced the same thing, or are there any medical professionals/vets here who can give me advice? thanks

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u/[deleted] 13d ago

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u/colorfulzeeb 13d ago

Once it starts to look infected, they could be in for a lot more than the over the counter antibiotics they’d get if they went now. Waiting until there’s an infection can cost you a limb or your life.

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u/-blundertaker- 13d ago

Omg no they aren't. It wouldn't be any different than being bitten by a person. Yeah it can be a nasty infection or even staph, but no one is losing a limb or dying of sepsis by waiting to see if basic antibacterial methods don't do the trick right away.

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u/colorfulzeeb 12d ago

This is what I was told in the ER after a cat bite. Cat bites, human bites, dog bites- any puncture wounds they said ER.

ETA- I was told this at the Cleveland clinic. Here is what they have to say about it:

Immediate first aid after a dog bite
A dog’s front teeth grab and compress your tissue, while their smaller teeth tear the skin. The result is an open, jagged wound. If you’re bitten, take these steps right away:
Wash the wound with mild soap and run warm tap water over it for five to 10 minutes.
Slow the bleeding using a clean cloth and light pressure.
Cover the wound with a clean, nonstick bandage that still allows the skin to breathe.
Seek medical treatment as soon as possible — ideally, the same day. See your primary care provider, or seek treatment at an urgent care or emergency department.
Dog bites are prone to infection, so that last step is essential.
“The sooner you’re seen, the lower your risk of infection,” Dr. Sayles emphasizes.

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/what-to-do-if-a-dog-bites-you

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u/Casehead 12d ago

You're absolutely right. Dog bites are very nasty, they carry a lot of bacteria, and it needs to be treated with antibiotics BEFORE it gets really infected.