Archive · 6 Sep 2026
Get Rabies Vaccine Immediately After a Dog Bite
A dog bite can sometimes spread rabies, a very dangerous disease.
You should wash the wound with soap and running water for 5–10 minutes.
Do not scrub the wound or touch it with bare hands.
Then go to a clinic or hospital as soon as possible.
Doctors may give a rabies vaccine, ideally within 24 hours.
The vaccine is given in several doses over time.
Some people also need rabies immunoglobulin placed around the wound.
Once rabies symptoms begin, the disease is usually fatal, so treatment should not be delayed.
Rabies vaccination should begin immediately after a dog bite, ideally within 24 hours.
Post-exposure prophylaxis may include five vaccine doses on Days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28.
Rabies immunoglobulin may be injected around wounds involving bleeding or broken skin.
Wash the wound with soap and running water for at least 5–10 minutes, then apply an antiseptic.
Medical care may also include tetanus vaccination and antibiotics to prevent other infections.
- Who
- Anyone bitten or scratched by a dog, especially when the wound bleeds or involves broken skin.
- What
- Immediate wound care and medical evaluation for rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, including vaccination and possibly rabies immunoglobulin.
- When
- Immediately after the bite, ideally within 24 hours; the vaccine schedule described is Days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28.
- Where
- At the bite wound first, followed by a clinic or hospital.
- Why
- To reduce the risk of rabies, which can become fatal after symptoms appear, and to prevent bacterial infection and other complications.
- Recommended timing
- Begin the rabies vaccine immediately, ideally within 24 hours of the bite.
- Vaccine schedule
- Five doses are described for Days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28.
- Rabies immunoglobulin
- May be injected into and around wounds involving bleeding or licks on broken skin.
- Wound washing
- Wash with soap and running water for at least 5–10 minutes.
- Tetanus
- A booster may be required if the last tetanus shot was more than five years ago.
- Antibiotics
- Doctors may prescribe amoxicillin-clavulanate to help prevent bacterial infections such as cellulitis.