HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Child Had A Bit From Pet Dog. Is Vacine Required?

My 2 year old-granddaughter was bitten by a pet dog this morning.She was holding a piece of bread and the dog grab it with his mouth. There was no puncture wound but teeth mark on her left hand was noted. My daughter in law washed her hands thoroughly with soap.Does my granddaughter still need anti rabies vaccine?. Thank you for your reply and God bless...Ophel
Fri, 19 Apr 2013
Report Abuse
Pediatrician 's  Response
Hi ,
Thanks for placing your query here.
It appreciate your concerns about your grandaughter.
You must realize that rabies is a universally fatal disease.
In case the pet dog is infected with rabies there is every possibility of transmitting rabies.
Has she receaved tetanus shots earlier ?
Is the pet dog vaccinated against rabies?
She must get rabies vaccination.
She should get his first rabies vaccine shot as soon as possible.
Keep the pet dog under observation & if he is well & alive on 10th day from today , you can omit further doses of the vaccine schedule.
So it is amply clear he needs minimum of 3 vaccine shots that is day 0, 3 & 7.
Hope I have answered your query.
If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.
Wish her a good health.
Best regards
I find this answer helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer

General & Family Physician Dr. Jay Patel's  Response
Hi,

The first and foremost question is was your DOG - vaccinated ?

1) If yes then no need to take anti rabies vaccine for your baby girl.
2) If not vaccinated then the child needs a anti rabies vaccine.

More over their was no puncture wound as informed in the question reduces the chances ever further as the rabies spread via the saliva/ fluid contacts. Next thing is to observe any changes in pattern of dog's behavior in next 5 days. If no such changes are seen then, there are 0% chances to have rabies according to textbooks. In case of any changes please consults near by doctor as soon as possible.

So, far nothing to worry, as pet dogs are not a serious threat as well as no puncture would was found on baby's hand.

Hope this answer bring a big relief.
Dr. JAY PATEL
I find this answer helpful

2 Doctors agree with this answer

Pediatrician Dr. Y V Siva Sankara Murty's  Response
Hi,

Thanks for writing to health care magic.

Post dog bite vaccination is required if the dog is not properly vaccinated.

I also suggest you to complete the entire course. The advantage with completion of the course is that only 3 doses are required if there is a dog bite in future.

I also appreciate that you have done the basic first aid measures which are important in case of dog bite.

Hope this helps.
Take care.
I find this answer helpful
General & Family Physician Dr. Prabhakar 's  Response
Hello
Thanks for the query. As its a pet dog and there is no wound noted on hand, she doesn't need any vaccine. But make sure that she doen't have wounds, if wound is there, it is better to go for anti-rabies vaccination and anti-tetatus vaccine.
Thank you
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Vaccination


Loading Online Doctors....
Child Had A Bit From Pet Dog. Is Vacine Required?

Hi , Thanks for placing your query here. It appreciate your concerns about your grandaughter. You must realize that rabies is a universally fatal disease. In case the pet dog is infected with rabies there is every possibility of transmitting rabies. Has she receaved tetanus shots earlier ? Is the pet dog vaccinated against rabies? She must get rabies vaccination. She should get his first rabies vaccine shot as soon as possible. Keep the pet dog under observation & if he is well & alive on 10th day from today , you can omit further doses of the vaccine schedule. So it is amply clear he needs minimum of 3 vaccine shots that is day 0, 3 & 7. Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help. Wish her a good health. Best regards