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Is Vaccination Required After Being Scratched By A Vaccinated Puppy?

Posted on Thu, 3 Dec 2015

Question: Hi... i hv a dalmatian puppy about 4.5 month old. She scrathed me last day and i had a little blood on my arm.she has been vactinated last month. Do i need any medical attention?

Answered by Dr. Tushar Kanti Biswas (44 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Scratch from vaccinated pet.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query. I can understand your concerns.

You have blood letting wound in your arm through scratch by your puppy.

Since she is healthy & vaccinated against rabies , apparently you don't carry any risk of rabies .

However,you need to take inj tetanus toxoid booster dose,if due.

Also you need to confine and watch your puppy for 10 days from the day of bite.
PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) is not necessary if the puppy remains healthy.
If the puppy dies or runs away/escapes ,within 10 days period,you need to take rabies vaccination (full course).
Local wound care:scratch should be washed thoroughly with soap and water. Antibiotic treatment initiated whenever indicated.

Regards

Dr. T.K. Biswas M.D. XXXXXXX

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad