Common "Animal Bite" queries answered by top doctors | iCliniq

Animal Bite

An animal bite is known as a wound, puncture, or laceration caused by the animal's teeth. It results in a break on the skin. It is treated by applying antibacterial ointment to the wound. It also includes contusions from the excessive pressure produced on the body tissue due to a bite.

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All the answers published in this website are written by verified medical doctors, therapists and health experts. The Content has been moderated by iCliniq medical review team before publication. Post your medical clarifications on iCliniq by choosing the right specialty and get them answered. Your medical queries will be answered 24/7 by top doctors from iCliniq.

Will the antirabies vaccine work if taken after 13 days?

Query: Hello doctor,I had taken two antirabies shots ten and three months back for a dog bite. A shrew that had entered the house bit me on my back two weeks back. There was no bleeding even on applying pressure on the area, but the next day I noticed a small clot on my back like the one we have after a sc...  Read Full »


Dr. Jyotisterna Mittal

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Rabies vaccination should ideally be started on day 0. But, you have not developed any symptoms. So, it is not late to start vaccination now. You should complete the five-injection rabies schedule. Since it was a category-2 exposure, the immunoglobulin is not requir...  Read Full »

I stroked a stray cat. Will I get rabies?

Query: Hello doctor, Is it possible to get rabies from patting a stray cat and then eating without washing hands? The cat's fur was not moist or wet nor was the cat being aggressive. Please advice.  Read Full »


Dr. Srivastava, Sumit

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com.No. Rabies does not spread that way. There is absolutely no chance to get rabies that way. Generally, it is the bite from a rabid dog or a cat that causes rabies since rabies virus is present in saliva.   Read Full »

Is anti-rabies vaccine required for a finger cut by mouse?

Query: Hello doctor, Yesterday night a baby mouse cut my wife in her index finger without any discharge of blood or any sign of cut except pain. Is anti-rabies vaccine required?  Read Full »


Dr. Mohammad Aamir

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. No, your wife does not need the anti-rabies vaccine. But you should see if your wife gets any of following symptoms within 10 days from the day of bite then she will need an antibiotic dose. Fever, vomiting, headache, any rash or swollen area or pain in the back or j...  Read Full »

I am seeking information on first aid myths on snake bites. Please help.

Query: Hello doctor, I am curious to know about first aid myths associated with snake bites. Kindly answer the query as elaborately as possible with details of common myths you hear about first aid treatment and improper first aid care that makes the injury worse. I will happily accept any first aid guidan...  Read Full »


Dr. Chandwadkar Ashish

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have read the query, and I can understand your concern. Snake bites are common in our country. Some of the myths I have seen and heard regarding snake bites are: 1) People suck out the blood from the snake bite wound. There is even a myth of a snake sucking out it...  Read Full »

Will scar revision work give me a virtually invisible scar?

Query: Hi doctor,I have been bitten by a dog three months ago. I have multiple scars but the worst one is above the upper lip. Unfortunately, I went to a dermatologist recommended by family and he insisted to apply Yag Laser at 55 days post-bite. I asked if it was not too soon but he said it was harmless a...  Read Full »


Dr. Pavan N Murdeshwar

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. First of all, sorry for the unfortunate events you are going through. I have seen your pictures (attachment removed to protect patient identity). The first scar was definitely a small linear one which could have been corrected by few non-interventional methods than t...  Read Full »

What should I do if I am bitten by a stray cat?

Query: Hello doctor, I have just got bitten by a stray cat and accidentally it scratched. It is a very light scratch and a dot-like blood clot has occurred on my palm. I have already washed it and have applied Dettol on it. Is there any kind of risk? What should I do? Have I got any chances of infection?  Read Full »


Dr. Settipalli Saravan Pramod

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. You should clean the wound no matter how small the skin has cuts. There can be many germs and bacteria in the mouths of animals. Cleaning will reduce the chance of infection. If the wound is small, you can clean it yourself. Just use ordinary tap water. Let it bleed ...  Read Full »

Can I acquire rabies by sharing a drink?

Query: Hello doctor,My roommate was scratched very lightly by a stray cat the other day. Then a couple of days later, I shared a drink with her. Could I get rabies?  Read Full »


Dr. Srivastava, Sumit

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Rabies does not get transmitted by drinking. It is transmitted by a direct bite or scratch from an infected animal. Rest assured that eating or drinking does not transmit rabies. For more information consult an internal medicine physician online --> https://icliniq...  Read Full »

A Stray dog bit me 24 years back. Should I get the vaccine now?

Query: Hi doctor, I need your suggestions. I remember a couple of occasions during my early childhood when a dog bit me. The first one was around 24 years back when a stray dog bit me. There was no visible wound or scratches on the bitten area. There was no bleeding during the incident. The second one was...  Read Full »


Dr. Shubadeep Debabrata Sinha

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Thank you for your query. Unless you have bitten, scratched, or bruised by a dog, rabies-unvaccinated, or your wound and bleeding has occurred recently, you need to worry and take post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) of anti-rabies vaccination and immunoglobulins injectio...  Read Full »

I am seven months pregnant and have got a tick bite. What precautions should I take?

Query: Hello doctor, I am seven months pregnant and I have got a tick bite. I also have a pet dog who bites me, but he is fully vaccinated. What precautions should I take?  Read Full »


Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I can understand your concern. However, I suggest you stay away from animals for the next two to three months and take the tetanus toxoid (consult a specialist doctor, talk with him or her, and take medications with their consent).  Read Full »

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