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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Would Being Scratched By A Dog Cause Exposure To Rabies?

When I was on a walk and passed by a house, a dog that was unleashed but wearing a collar chased me away until I was across the street. I didn t see any break in the skin, but it did scratch at my legs (just leaving redness for a little) so could there be a possibility of rabies exposure? I didn t see or feel any saliva and it didn t try to bite me but I m worried.
Fri, 3 Jan 2020
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

Being scratched by a dog superficially without traces of skin break or blood coming out does not put to risk of exposure to rabies infection. However, this is for dogs that are vaccinated.

However, if you are scratched by an unvaccinated dog with saliva covered nails you may theoretically get exposed to rabies.

In this case, you are supposed to wash the wound clean with soap & get clinically assessed by a GP & get treated at the earliest.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr. Nupur K, General & Family Physician
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Would Being Scratched By A Dog Cause Exposure To Rabies?

Hello, Being scratched by a dog superficially without traces of skin break or blood coming out does not put to risk of exposure to rabies infection. However, this is for dogs that are vaccinated. However, if you are scratched by an unvaccinated dog with saliva covered nails you may theoretically get exposed to rabies. In this case, you are supposed to wash the wound clean with soap & get clinically assessed by a GP & get treated at the earliest. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr. Nupur K, General & Family Physician