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

Is Vaccination Required After Being Scratched By A Dog?

Hello Sir A dog scratched me while I was jogging. just a scratch. It scratch line swell for sometime and when I finished running I checked it s gone. So would I have to consult a doctor because I came to France for 6 months and I don t have insurance.
Mon, 22 Aug 2016
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Rabies virus may be there in saliva of the the dog.you said scratch but didn't say its due to teeth or some toe nails of the dog.if it is due to toe nails the virus cannot enter only it can cause bacterial infection but you said the site is normal so there is less chance of suspecting bacterial infection.if it is due to teeth its better to take vaccine within 10 days of bite.it is inactivated vaccine so you don't get vaccine associated rabies.you will need 3 to 5 doses of vaccine depending upon the injury.rabies is 100% fatal but 100% preventable.so don't worry at the same time don't neglect.you need to take a shot of tetanus toxoid(TT) if not taken the last 6 months.hope my answer helps you thank you.

I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
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
 
Loading Online Doctors....
Is Vaccination Required After Being Scratched By A Dog?

Rabies virus may be there in saliva of the the dog.you said scratch but didn t say its due to teeth or some toe nails of the dog.if it is due to toe nails the virus cannot enter only it can cause bacterial infection but you said the site is normal so there is less chance of suspecting bacterial infection.if it is due to teeth its better to take vaccine within 10 days of bite.it is inactivated vaccine so you don t get vaccine associated rabies.you will need 3 to 5 doses of vaccine depending upon the injury.rabies is 100% fatal but 100% preventable.so don t worry at the same time don t neglect.you need to take a shot of tetanus toxoid(TT) if not taken the last 6 months.hope my answer helps you thank you.