What to Do After a Dog Bite in Kathmandu

Dog bites happen more often in Kathmandu than we’d like… and if you’re reading this, you—or someone you know—might have just been one of the unlucky ones. I’ve been there, and I know how scary it feels. But don’t panic—I’m here to walk you through it, step by trembling step.

Right After the Bite… Your Heart’s Racing, I Know

1. Spot the dog: Was it a friendly pet or a stray roaming our streets?

- Either way, you need that rabies jab—no exceptions. (Yes, even if it was “just a nip.”)

2. Look at your wound:

- Deep cut? Run—literally—straight to a hospital.

- Small scratch? Take a deep breath, then head to your nearest tap.

Now, wash. And wash again. For 15 whole minutes, let that soap-and-water combo rinse away any scary germs.

Tip: Keep the water running over the bite. Let it flush, flush, flush.

3. Don’t wait forever. If you can’t reach help right away, aim to get there within 24 hours. Your body’s clock is ticking—rabies doesn’t wait.

Picking Your Healing Haven

Most tiny clinics in Kathmandu… they just don’t have rabies vaccines. So head to a hospital—no shortcuts.

My go-to:

Sukraraj Tropical & Infectious Disease Hospital (Teku Hospital)

Affordable, reliable, and open to tackle everything from weird fevers to (yes) dog bites.

You can choose private places (Norvic, Mediciti, CIWEC), but brace your wallet—the shots cost a lot more.

At Teku Hospital… What to Expect

Service Days: Sunday–Friday (normal hours)

Saturday: Emergency service only (still open—but, fair warning, it costs a bit extra)

1. Grab an OPD ticket for rabies treatment:

- NRs 100 on weekdays

- NRs 150 on Saturday

2. Head to Room No. 1 (they’ll know why you’re there).

3. The doctor will…

- Check how bad that bite is.

- Tell you how many rabies doses you need.

- Tell you if you need a tetanus shot or not (Hint: Probably yes.)

4. You’ll leave with a schedule—come back on these dates, get those shots, and you’ll sleep a lot more easily.

A Final Word… From Me to You

I get it—being bit by a dog can feel like the end of the world. Your heart pounds, your mind races, and you wonder, “Am I doomed?” But here’s the truth: If you act fast, you’re going to be just fine.

Bites heal. Scars fade. But rabies… doesn’t forgive. So please—take a moment, follow these steps, and you’ll turn a terrifying moment into a safe, handled situation.

Stay calm, stay safe, and give yourself a pat on the back for doing the right thing. You’ve got this.