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Is Rabies Vaccination Required After Being Scratched By A Dog?
Question: I just got scratched (from the paw) by a dog this morning, which I doubt has rabies, he actually had a cone on and was just treated by a vet for a foot wound..I'm guessing the cone prevented it from licking his paws. This happened in downtown XXXXXXX XXXXXXX CA While the scratch did break a couple layers of skin, no blood was drawn. I received the full course of rabies shots back in 2012 and additional vaccine back in October 2015 for another bite. Should I get additional vaccine shots?
Brief Answer:
No need for further shots.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
You can only get rabies from contact with infected saliva or nerve tissue (such as handling an infected brain). Given that this dog had a cone on his head, there is really no chance that he recently drooled on or licked his paw.
Also, as this dog had recently seen a veterinarian and is a cared for pet, he is likely to have been vaccinated against rabies in the past.
So - no need for further shots.
If it is possible for you to contact the dog's owner, let the owner know about the scratch and ask the dog to be observed for 10 days. If during that time the dog begins to be ill, then rabies prophylaxis would be appropriate.
No need for further shots.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,
You can only get rabies from contact with infected saliva or nerve tissue (such as handling an infected brain). Given that this dog had a cone on his head, there is really no chance that he recently drooled on or licked his paw.
Also, as this dog had recently seen a veterinarian and is a cared for pet, he is likely to have been vaccinated against rabies in the past.
So - no need for further shots.
If it is possible for you to contact the dog's owner, let the owner know about the scratch and ask the dog to be observed for 10 days. If during that time the dog begins to be ill, then rabies prophylaxis would be appropriate.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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