Dog Bites

Dog bites can happen anywhere, but for tourists and foreign residents in Tel Aviv, encountering an unfamiliar animal can turn into a medical concern. While most dog bites are minor and heal without complications, some may lead to infections, deep tissue damage, or even require urgent treatment such as rabies post-exposure prophylaxis. Knowing how to respond quickly and when to seek medical care can prevent complications and give you peace of mind.

Common Scenarios and Initial Steps

Most dog bites involve the hands, arms, legs, or face. The first and most important step is to wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. This helps reduce the risk of infection. If the wound is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth and seek medical help if the bleeding doesn’t stop.

After basic first aid, it’s important to evaluate:

• The depth and location of the bite

• Whether the skin was broken

• If the animal is known and vaccinated

• Whether your own vaccinations (like tetanus) are up to date

Infection Risk and Antibiotics

Dog mouths harbor a variety of bacteria, including Pasteurella, Capnocytophaga, and Staphylococcus. Signs of infection may appear within 24–72 hours and include:

• Redness, swelling, warmth, and pain around the bite

• Pus or discharge from the wound

• Fever, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes

If infection develops, antibiotic treatment is usually required. In most cases, a 5–7 day course of oral antibiotics such as amoxicillin-clavulanate is effective. In severe cases involving spreading infection, deep tissue involvement, or immune-compromised patients, intravenous antibiotics may be necessary.

When Is Preventive Antibiotic Treatment Needed?

Even if the wound is not infected, preventive antibiotics may be recommended in the following situations:

• Bites on the face, hand, foot, or near joints

• Deep puncture wounds

• Patients with diabetes or weakened immune systems

• Delayed medical attention (more than 8–12 hours after the bite)

Rabies and Tetanus Prophylaxis

Israel is considered a low-risk country for rabies in dogs, especially in urban areas like Tel Aviv. However, if the dog’s rabies vaccination status is unknown, or if the bite occurred in rural or high-risk regions, rabies post-exposure treatment may be needed. This includes both rabies immunoglobulin and a vaccine series.

Tetanus boosters are indicated if it has been more than 5 years since the last dose, especially for deep or contaminated wounds.

Wound Management and Suturing

Not all bite wounds should be stitched. In general, suturing is avoided in highly contaminated wounds due to the risk of sealing in bacteria. However, facial bites may be closed early for cosmetic reasons after careful cleaning and sometimes under antibiotic coverage.

When to See a Doctor in Tel Aviv

Seek urgent care if:

• The bite is deep, bleeding heavily, or located on the hand or face

• Signs of infection appear within days of the bite

• The dog is unknown, appears sick, or has no vaccination history

• You haven’t had a tetanus booster in over 5 years

• You have chronic health conditions such as diabetes or take immunosuppressive medications

Our clinic in Tel Aviv routinely treats travelers and foreign residents with dog bites and other minor injuries. Whether you need a tetanus protection, or simply want reassurance, seeing a doctor in Tel Aviv can help you recover safely and avoid complications.