The Right Care “Fur” Your Animal Bite

Hala nakagat ng aso, lagyan mo ng bawang! What? Adobo ‘yan?

We all love cuddling and playing with our pets, and accidents might happen, especially when playtime gets a bit rowdy. But your pet is no vampire, so don’t use garlic as first aid for accidental bites or scratches, as that might just cause infection. Proper medical attention is needed, not that garlic stash from the pantry.

Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system, and it’s present in certain mammals, including dogs, cats, livestock, and wildlife. It’s transmissible to humans through bites, scratches, or direct contact with the eyes, mouth, or open wound of an infected animal.

Hold up! Before you even think about listing your pet for adoption, you should know that there are proper treatments for animal-related wounds, like bites and scratches.

In case of accidental animal bites or scratches, the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine recommends you do the following:

• Wash the wound immediately with soap and running water for at least 10-15 minutes.
• Apply any antiseptic (ex. iodine) after wound washing.
• Do not apply ointment, cream, or wound dressing, as that will trigger bacterial growth and stop the drainage of the wound.
• Avoid procedures that may contaminate the wound (ex. the practice of tandok, bato, garlic rubbing).
• For bleeding wounds, apply firm pressure to the area with a clean cloth to slow down the bleeding.
• Especially for severe cases, visit the nearest Animal Bite Center (ABC) or emergency room as soon as possible for treatment.

Neglect may lead to more serious complications that may endanger you and your loved ones. It’s best to seek medical help no matter how small the wound may be.

If cost is among your concerns, PRIMA Animal Bite Care by Maxicare Clinics may be the solution for you. This e-voucher offers comprehensive & reactive animal bite care, giving you peace of mind in the event of animal-related injuries. For just ₱5,999, you get access to Maxicare Clinics nationwide, anti-rabies and anti-tetanus vaccines, wound treatment including wound dressing and supplies, and doctor consultations. It also gives you access to special member rates for Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) vaccines* (ERIG and HRIG).

Plus, this is the only animal bite care plan that has built-in insurance: accident medical reimbursement for eligible accident related medical expenses as added financial support; an accidental death, dismemberment, or disability benefit; and personal accident insurance coverage for loss due to an accident, accidental injuries causing permanent disability, and accidental injuries resulting in being permanently bedridden.

Fur babies have been a huge part of the Filipino household ever since. It’s good that we think about their welfare, but of course, don’t forget to look after your own and your loved ones’ safety and well-being. Protecting yourself and your pets from rabies is all fur your own good.

Be protected against rabies and get care for EVERY body. Know more about PRIMA Animal Bite Care by visiting shop.maxihealth.com.ph.

*The Rabies Immunoglobulin (RIG) vaccine is available only at Maxicare Clinics with DOH Animal Bite Care certification. For severe cases, exposure will be assessed by the doctor at the Maxicare Clinics, and if needed, a referral will be provided to proceed to the nearest hospital emergency room.

*References:

World Health Organization. (2024, June 5). Rabies.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rabies

Research Institute for Tropical Medicine. (2024, September 28). Know what to do when you are
bitten or scratched by an animal!. Reel. Facebook.
https://web.facebook.com/reel/7996419433715670

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