Is Anti-rabies Vaccination Required For A Dog Scratch?

Posted on Thu, 7 Jul 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 7 Jul 2016 Answered on

Thu, 28 Jul 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello,
My dog is immunized and made a small scratch with its nail, while it was playing with me. Prior to it, the dog was kept in a kennel for a day, as I was out on vacation. The scratch incident happened when it reached my house after the one-day outing from kennel. It is a almost 4 days over.

Dog is absolutely fine as usual. My scratch is also healed. Should I go for an immunization in this case ? I took a full immunization five years back due to the scratch from my dog (Same dog). Please suggest.

Regards
XXXX

Answered by Dr. Nishad BN (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Immunization not required If dog is properly immunized.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thank you for asking HCM

I have gone through your query. If the dog is well immunized and scratch is not bleeding one then no need to take post exposure prophylaxis.

But if the scratch caused bleeding then you can take 2 doses of anti rabies vaccine and after 10 days if dog is okay you can stop taking next dose. If Rabipure is used then you can take 0th and 3rd dose. As 4 days are over the 7th day dosage now will be eleventh day from exposure, you can watch the dog till tenth day and avoid next dose if dog is fine.

Let me know if anything not clear.
I am happy to help you.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee