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Is Vaccination Required After Being Bitten By A Pet Dog?

Posted on Sat, 19 Sep 2015

Question: Hy doctor,I Have been bitten by my dog its not a stray dog he is my pet after he bit me i washed my hands for a few minutes and applied anti septic cream on it. is it necessary to go to a hospital and take vaccine. he bit me on this night should i go to the doctor immediately

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes you should get vaccinated.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome To HCM. I am Dr Anshul Varshney. I understand your concern.
If your dog is completely vaccinated then you don't require to get any vaccination done.
In case your dog is not vaccinated then you should go to nearby hospital and get a tetanus shot as well as Rabies vaccination.
If you have any further query, please ask me.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Anshul Varshney (5 minutes later)

yes doctor he has been vaccinated but it was like 8 months before. my hand is still bleeding now

Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Go to hospital.

Detailed Answer:
Hello. Such a bite with bleeding is Grade 2 or Grade 3 bite and if vaccination status is doubtful get vaccinated.
You should go to nearby hospital and get first aid there followed by a course of rabies vaccination.
Remember there is no "U" turn if you contract rabies. It's 100% fatal. So getting vaccinated to be sure is a wise decision.
Good luck.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar