MANAGING DOG BITES

In his fortnightly column, renowned pediatrician Dr Anupam Sibal helps young parents resolve dilemmas

- DR ANUPAM SIBAL AND DR ANURAG AGARWAL

Dog bites can be frightening for any parent, not just because of the wound but also due to the risk of rabies. In today's guest column, Prof Dr Anurag Agarwal, Professor of Paediatrics, Maulana Azad Medical College shares what parents should know about managing dog bites.

Rabies is a viral infection that affects the brain and nerves. It can enter the body through a cut, scratch, or bite, or even when saliva from an infected animal touches broken skin, the mouth, or the eyes. From here, the virus can slowly travel through the nerves, eventually reaching the brain and spreading to different organs.

Children are especially at risk. They may not tell parents about small scratches or licks and may not recognise the danger from stray animals when playing.

Many families often find themselves dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite. The real challenge is not just the bite itself, but the spectre of rabies, a disease that is nearly 100% fatal once symptoms develop, but entirely preventable with prompt intervention.

IMMEDIATE FIRST AID