Dog bites: what to do
Three points at schools and courtyard meetings: wash the bite or scratch with soap and water for at least fifteen minutes; no lime, chilli, oil or charms; the vaccine at a hospital that same day. And learning beforehand which nearby hospital gives it.
- 0/3 people
- About 4 hours
- 10
- points
About this task
Chattogram’s crowded neighbourhoods have many street dogs; people should know beforehand what to do in the first fifteen minutes after a bite and where the vaccine is given. First, phoning the district hospital and upazila health complex to learn where the rabies vaccine is given and whether it is in stock. Then three points at schools and courtyard meetings: wash the bite or scratch with soap and water for at least fifteen minutes; no lime, chilli, oil, mud or charms; to hospital the same day, and every dose the doctor gives. Last, the vaccine hospital’s name and address on posters.
Why it matters
According to WHO, once symptoms appear rabies is virtually always fatal, and dogs cause nearly all human cases. But washing the wound quickly and getting vaccinated after a bite prevents death. Many lose time with healers and charms; knowing the right steps saves lives.
What changes after
At least three meetings or school sessions; posters with the vaccine hospital’s address at the school, market and mosque; children know to tell an adult straight away after a bite.
Who can join
Anyone; best with a health worker or medical student.
Step by step
0 of 3 steps doneHow to do it, in order.About 4 hours across all steps
- 1
Find where the vaccine is
Phone the district hospital and upazila health complex to learn where the rabies vaccine is given and whether it is in stock now.
60 min
Not startedIn hand:Nobody yet - 2
Schools and courtyard meetings
The three points; for children: do not tease dogs, keep away while they eat, and tell an adult at once after a bite or scratch.
120 minপোস্টার
Not startedIn hand:Nobody yet - 3
The hospital’s address on the wall
The vaccine hospital’s name and address on posters at the school, market and mosque.
60 minপোস্টার
Not startedIn hand:Nobody yet
What you need
- Posters · ১৫টি
When it counts as done
- At least three meetings or school sessions
- Posters with the vaccine hospital’s address, in photos
Proof required
- Photo
Safety
Do not catch, chase or beat dogs. Keep away from any dog acting strangely and tell the local authority.
The full guide
What it takes, and how to do it
Never done this before? No matter. The cost, the timeline, who does what, whom to speak to, the day hour by hour, the risks and ready words to send are all here.
- About
- ৳700–1,500
- People
- 3
- Time in all
- 4 hours
- Age
- 16 or older
Best timeAll year; at schools in class time with the head teacher’s permission, in villages as afternoon courtyard meetings.
PermissionAt schools, the head teacher’s permission; in courtyards, the homeowner’s consent.
What it costs
Prices differ by district and season; this is a 2026 estimate. Keep receipts and put them in the proof.
| What | How much | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Posters (A3, colour)15Where: Print shop | 15 | ৳30–60 |
| Glue or tape1 setWhere: Stationery shop | 1 set | ৳50–150 |
| Total (about) | ৳700–1,500 | |
Getting ready, step by step
7 days before
- Phone the district hospital and upazila health complex to learn where the vaccine is and whether it is in stock.
- Print the posters with the hospital’s name and address.
3 days before
- Fix the days and times for schools and courtyards.
Session days
- The three points; for children, how to stay safe around dogs.
- Put up the posters.
Who does what
Lead1
Finds the vaccine hospital, fixes school and courtyard times.
Speaker1
The three points in plain words; a health worker if one is present.
Poster team1
Posters at the school, market and mosque, with permission.
Whom to speak to first
The district hospital or upazila health complex
- Why
- They can say correctly where the vaccine is given.
- How
- Ask by phone or in person; note the officer’s name and the date.
The head teacher
- Why
- Children are most at risk of dog bites.
- How
- Ask for a ten-to-fifteen-minute session.
The day, hour by hour
- 10:00School session: the three points, staying safe around dogs.
- 11:00Poster at the school.
- 15:30Courtyard meeting.
- 16:30Posters at the market and mosque, done.
How to take the proof
- Photos of a school or courtyard session, without children’s faces or with consent.
- Photos of the posters up, with the hospital address readable.
Common first-time mistakes
- Putting old information on posters without checking with the hospital.
- Talking about vaccine doses on your own; that is the doctor’s job.
What can go wrong, and what to do
No vaccine at the hospital
Add a second hospital on the poster, and write: phone before going.
Someone being stirred to harm dogs
Say plainly: harming dogs is no solution; report a dangerous dog to the local authority.
Ready words to send
Copy, fill the [brackets], send.
WhatsApp / Facebook invitation
Help spread what to do after a dog bite! Where: [school / village] When: [date], 10 am and 3:30 pm What: three points (wash with soap and water for 15 minutes, no charms, the vaccine at hospital that same day) and posters. To join: send a join request on this task’s page on Desher Kaj, or tell [lead’s name] in this group.
Letter to the head teacher asking permission
Date: [date] To The Head Teacher [school name] Subject: Permission for a student session on dog bites and rabies. Sir/Madam, On [date] we wish to speak with students for ten to fifteen minutes on what to do after a dog bite or scratch, and which nearby hospital gives the vaccine. We also wish to put one poster on the school wall. No money will be collected from anyone for this work; what is needed comes as gifts in kind or at the team’s own cost. We would be grateful for your permission. Yours faithfully [Name], team lead [team name], a volunteer team on the Desher Kaj platform Phone: [number]
After it is done
- Every six months, check with the hospital again and update the posters.
- Run the same session at the next school.
Questions people ask
Does a scratch from a pet dog or cat need the vaccine too?
Wash the wound and see a doctor that same day; the doctor decides whether the vaccine is needed. Do not decide yourself.
What if the hospital has no vaccine?
Without delay, go to the next district hospital or wherever a doctor advises; for advice, Shasthya Batayon on 16263.
Can I join if I cannot stay the whole time?
Yes. Say in your request which step or which hours you can do. The lead will give that step to you.