Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
On 12/13 Around 6pm My Dog Got Sprayed But A
Question: On 12/13 around 6pm my dog got sprayed but a skunk. She was up to date with her rabies vaccine at the time but I took her to the vet for a rabies booster and to be checked for bites and scrapes. The vet didn’t see any visible.
I don’t know if she actually got a hold of the skunk, but now I am panicking thinking if she did, she could be exposed to rabies, and subsequently so could I since I had to bathe her and wash her face and mouth off, touching her saliva with could’ve been infected by the skunk. Also while washing the skunk smell off her she would shake and the residual water would hit my face and body. I have a few semi fresh scrapes and baby cuts in my arms and hands.
Background for me: In June/July of 2018 I had the rabies vaccine series done because of an encounter with a bat in I my home (total of 7-8 shots). I don’t know how long those vaccines last in the body, so I don’t know if I should get a booster to be safe (despite my PCP saying he doesn’t think it’s necessary).
I don’t know if she actually got a hold of the skunk, but now I am panicking thinking if she did, she could be exposed to rabies, and subsequently so could I since I had to bathe her and wash her face and mouth off, touching her saliva with could’ve been infected by the skunk. Also while washing the skunk smell off her she would shake and the residual water would hit my face and body. I have a few semi fresh scrapes and baby cuts in my arms and hands.
Background for me: In June/July of 2018 I had the rabies vaccine series done because of an encounter with a bat in I my home (total of 7-8 shots). I don’t know how long those vaccines last in the body, so I don’t know if I should get a booster to be safe (despite my PCP saying he doesn’t think it’s necessary).
Brief Answer:
It will be wise for you to take the rabies vaccinations
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Rabies vaccination is highly effective but not 100% protective. So, no one can guarantee a vaccinated dog doesn't have rabies. Even vaccinated dogs are kept under 10 days observation period, it is difficult to predict that they are fully protected against rabies or their biting will not spread the rabies infection to a human's body.
As you were vaccinated more than 2 years ago, so it is wise for you to get the rabies vaccinations. The dosing after previous vaccination schedule is two doses 0,3 days. As
there is no cure for rabies, so you should take the two doses.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Zubayer Alam, General And Family Physician,
It will be wise for you to take the rabies vaccinations
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Rabies vaccination is highly effective but not 100% protective. So, no one can guarantee a vaccinated dog doesn't have rabies. Even vaccinated dogs are kept under 10 days observation period, it is difficult to predict that they are fully protected against rabies or their biting will not spread the rabies infection to a human's body.
As you were vaccinated more than 2 years ago, so it is wise for you to get the rabies vaccinations. The dosing after previous vaccination schedule is two doses 0,3 days. As
there is no cure for rabies, so you should take the two doses.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Zubayer Alam, General And Family Physician,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Even if I didn’t get bit?
Brief Answer:
Being scratched by a skunk and if the scratch actually bled, then needed.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Rabies infection can be spreaded by not only biting but also deep scratching. Rabies is transmitted by saliva. If the scratch actually bled, there is chance of entering saliva into the wound and makes someone infected. It is possible for people to get rabies from non bite exposure such as scratches, abrasions or open wounds that are exposed to saliva or other infectious element from a rabid animal like skunks, dogs, bats etc.
As your skunk's vaccination is up to date and you had no history of biting by skunk, so there may be no chance of spreading rabies. But, you had got few semi fresh scrapes or abrasions and cuts on in your arms and hands during washing the skunk. As, rabies has no treatment, so it will be wise to get the Vaccination.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Zubayer Alam, General And Family Physician,
Being scratched by a skunk and if the scratch actually bled, then needed.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Rabies infection can be spreaded by not only biting but also deep scratching. Rabies is transmitted by saliva. If the scratch actually bled, there is chance of entering saliva into the wound and makes someone infected. It is possible for people to get rabies from non bite exposure such as scratches, abrasions or open wounds that are exposed to saliva or other infectious element from a rabid animal like skunks, dogs, bats etc.
As your skunk's vaccination is up to date and you had no history of biting by skunk, so there may be no chance of spreading rabies. But, you had got few semi fresh scrapes or abrasions and cuts on in your arms and hands during washing the skunk. As, rabies has no treatment, so it will be wise to get the Vaccination.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Zubayer Alam, General And Family Physician,
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Kampana
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
