Bitten by a Dog in Malaysia? What to Do in 2024?

Being bitten by a dog can be a frightening and potentially dangerous experience, especially in Malaysia where rabies is a concern.

As a pet hotel in Selangor, our team has unfortunately been bitten more than once. It's a work hazard and something we have learned to manage better over the years. 

In this guide, we'll provide you with essential steps to take if you find yourself bitten by a dog in Malaysia.

Immediate Steps to Take After Being Bitten by a Dog

1. Stay Calm
   
   
2. Assess the Wound
   !!! Visit the doctor immediately if it's deep wounds like punctures, you're bleeding profusely, or you don't know what to do.
   
   
3. Wash the Wound
   

   If you're far from a clinic, clean the bite area with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes. Then, seek medical help.

What Medical Treatment You'll Receive for a Dog Bite?

• The nearest clinic or hospital will provide first aid.
  
  
• Then they may refer you to a hospital which has the right vaccines.
  
  
• That hospital will perform post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP):
  • Treatment of the wound
  • Stitching or surgery (if necessary)
  • Immediate rabies vaccination
  • Injection of rabies immunoglobulin (RIG)
  • Injection of anti-tetanus and antibiotic treatment
    
    
• Follow-up treatments will be scheduled as there are four rabies shots in total. It may take up to 3 hours at the hospital.
  
  
• While receiving treatment from the nurse or doctor, they will ask you questions such as:
  
  • if a report was made to the police or local city council 
  • if the dog that attacked had an owner
  • if the dog that attacked had a license
  • location of the incident
    
    
• You might be admitted into the hospital ward if there are any signs of rabies. 

Malaysia's government is working to control rabies and protect its citizens. These government agencies might contact you to help with the dog bite investigation:

1. Pejabat Kesihatan Daerah (PKD)
2. Jabatan Kesihatan Negeri (JKN) 
3. Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM)
4. Pejabat Perkhidmatan Veterinar (PPVD)
5. Jabatan Perkhidmatan Veterinar (DVS) 

Do All Dog Bites Require Medical Attention?

No, not all dog bites require visiting the doctor. At-home basic first aid (disinfectant and antibacterial ointment) might be sufficient.

A mild dog bite with superficial wounds, like scratches, may not need a doctor's visit if you know the dog was recently vaccinated.

But if you don't know, be cautious. Visit a clinic or hospital. The case fatality for rabies is nearly 100%.

You can also follow the guidelines of Malaysia's Ministry of Health below:

Follow-Up Care and Monitoring after Medical Attention

Proper follow-up care is essential to promote healing of the bitten area and prevent infection. Here are some guidelines on how to care for the bite wound at home:

1. Clean the wound at least once a day or as directed by your healthcare provider.
   
   
2. After cleaning, apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment to help prevent infection.
   
   
3. Change the dressing daily or whenever it becomes wet, dirty, or loose.
   
   
4. Check for signs of infection.
   
   
5. If you experience pain, take pain relievers like Panadol.
   
   

6. Avoid strenuous activities or heavy lifting. They could stress the wound while it heals.

7. Schedule a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider as advised.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your dog bite wound heals properly and reduces the risk of complications. 

Signs of Infection To Watch For

Not all dog bites will cause infection. Here are the key signs of infection to watch for. They will help you get timely medical attention and prevent complications.

1. Increased Redness and Warmth
   
   
2. Excessive Swelling
   
   
3. Pus or Discharge
   Pus is a byproduct of the body’s immune response to infection. Its presence usually requires a medical evaluation. It may appear yellow or green and have a foul odour.
   
   
4. Fever
   If you develop a fever following a dog bite, it’s essential to seek medical attention.
   
   
5. Increased Pain
   

   Some pain is expected after a dog bite. If it worsens or becomes severe, it may mean an infection is spreading. Seek medical help right away.

6. Delayed Healing
   If the wound shows no signs of healing after a few days, or if it appears to be worsening rather than improving, this is a cause for concern.

If you notice any of these signs of infection following a dog bite, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Remember, it’s always better to be cautious when it comes to your health and well-being.

What Happens to the Dog Who Bit Me?

• does the dog have an owner?
• how severe your bite is?
• did you contract rabies?
• is the dog still at the location you reported?

• dog let off with a warning to the owner
• dog sampled to check for rabies
• dog captured and quarantined for 14 days
• nothing happens to the dog or owner, etc
• owner being sued

Conclusion

A dog bite can be distressing. But, knowing the right steps to take can help your recovery and peace of mind. Not every bite needs medical help. But, it's wise to be cautious in a country where rabies is a serious risk.

By following this guide, you can navigate the aftermath of a dog bite more effectively.