What to Do If You're Bitten by a Dog in Tbilisi

What should you do if a dog bites you in Tbilisi? Below is a step-by-step guide based on real experience and official recommendations. This is not medical advice — if you've been bitten, make sure to seek professional medical care.

Stay Calm

Yes, it's unpleasant. The most important thing is not to panic. First, assess the situation:

• Is the area you're in safe?
• Is the dog's owner nearby?
• Does the dog have an ear tag?
• Can you identify or record where the incident happened?

If possible, take a photo of the dog or its ear tag. This information can be helpful for doctors and local services.

Check for an Ear Tag or an Owner

If the dog is with a person, ask:

• whether the dog has been vaccinated against rabies;
• when the last vaccination was done;
• how to contact the owner.

If the dog has no owner nearby:

• check whether it has an ear tag;
• if it does, take a photo and report the tag number to AMA (Animal Monitoring Agency);
• if there is no tag, note the location of the incident and take a photo of the dog if possible.

It's important to understand that AMA does have a municipal shelter, but conditions there are difficult and the agency is under-resourced. If the dog is not showing serious aggression or posing a real danger, it's better not to request capture simply out of fear or because of a single incident.

However, if the animal is behaving dangerously — attacking people or other animals, chasing pedestrians, or making the area unsafe — contacting AMA may be necessary.

Clean the Wound

Even a small bite should be treated properly:

• wash the area thoroughly with soap and water;
• use an antiseptic such as chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide;
• for deeper wounds, apply an antibacterial ointment such as Levomekol.

See a Doctor

Even if the bite seems minor, it's best to see a doctor. They may:

• recommend a rabies vaccination if the dog's background or vaccination status is unknown;
• give a tetanus shot, even if you were bitten by your own dog;
• prescribe antibiotics for deep wounds.

Where to Get Help in Tbilisi

There are clinics in the city that provide treatment for dog bites and administer the necessary vaccinations:

What's Important to Remember

• After a dog bite, always clean the wound and seek medical attention — even if it seems minor. Antibiotics are often needed to prevent infection.
• Get a rabies vaccination if you are unsure whether the dog was vaccinated, and make sure to check your tetanus protection as well.