<human>: I got bite my my dog in the lip (not the dogs fault) I needed stitches they used ones that dissolve and as it is healing a have a scab forming on my lip. It is very tender under the scab. Is this normal and if it comes off before the stitches dissolve is that a problem?
<bot>: Dog bites on the lips is very serious (due to its proximity to the brain) and post-exposure prophylaxis should be started immediately. You should approach a physician and get the Rabies shot without delay. As far as first-aid measures are concerned: wash your lips with lots of soap water. Do not -mind you, do not - suture (stitch) the wound as this will only allow the virus to reach the peripheral nerves faster. Of course, if the dog is not infected with rabies there is nothing to worry, but, then, it's always better to be safe than sorry.