My Friend's Parents' Dog Just Had Puppies. She's Usually People-friendly

Posted on Tue, 16 Jun 2020

Question: My friend's parents' dog just had puppies. She's usually people-friendly and non-aggressive. Recently though, she has bitten several family members belonging to the owners and we believe she is just overprotective of her puppies. This dog also lives outside in the yard. She has been very friendly towards me today though (won't let me handle the puppies but was more than willing to let me pet her and love on her and she was very excitable.) But she licked my hands and I forgot to wash them afterwards, and I aye a sandwich. The dog, I know for sure, is unvaccinated and has never been to a vet. Is it possible for me to contract rabies or some other transmittable disease? Rabies is the one I'm most concerned about. Aside from the aggression, I didn't see any other unusual signs in her though.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
There is no risk for rabies.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome in"Ask a Doctor".
I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

You shouldn't worry because having just liking in your hands from this dog (without rabies symptoms) there is no risk for rabies even she is not vaccinated.
The most probably infection that you can take from the dog is echinococus.

Hope I have answered your query.
Regards.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T