Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Is Rabies Vaccination Required When Scratched By A Dog?
Question: a dog which stays in my XXXXXXX out of patting jumped on my hand. Immediately washed with soap and rubbed with raw dettol. No mark is visible but rubbing by dettol gives a little burning sensation. the dog lives in our compound and can be watched. Do I need to take ARV?
Brief Answer:
Very low risk exposure.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to HCM.
From the fact you have posted here,it seems that dog did not bite or scratch even and that why there is no visible mark seen even.
Little burning sensations during washing with soap and Dettol could be because of superficial rubbing during washing itself or there may be mild superficial scratch by the dong's hand which is not even visible here.So,you have very low risk exposure here.
Here,there are two things
1) There is no clear cut wound or even scratch mark on your skin means there is no tissue injury by dog.So, chances of infection are very very less.
2) If this dog is living in your compound then it would be considered as a domestic dog.Mostly rabid dog can not survive more than 10 days,so we can keep watch on the dog.
Also,let me know some more details,
When this incident happened?
Was that dog vaccinated with ARV if in your knowledge?
So,you may wait for few days and keep watch on that dog until then you will not require ARV vaccine (since there was no bit or scratch).
However,if the animal would show signs of rabies within 3 to 5 days (which would be rare here) then I would advice you to take vaccine.
Hope this will help you and get back to me with more information.
Regards,
Dr.Sandip Kabra
Very low risk exposure.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Welcome to HCM.
From the fact you have posted here,it seems that dog did not bite or scratch even and that why there is no visible mark seen even.
Little burning sensations during washing with soap and Dettol could be because of superficial rubbing during washing itself or there may be mild superficial scratch by the dong's hand which is not even visible here.So,you have very low risk exposure here.
Here,there are two things
1) There is no clear cut wound or even scratch mark on your skin means there is no tissue injury by dog.So, chances of infection are very very less.
2) If this dog is living in your compound then it would be considered as a domestic dog.Mostly rabid dog can not survive more than 10 days,so we can keep watch on the dog.
Also,let me know some more details,
When this incident happened?
Was that dog vaccinated with ARV if in your knowledge?
So,you may wait for few days and keep watch on that dog until then you will not require ARV vaccine (since there was no bit or scratch).
However,if the animal would show signs of rabies within 3 to 5 days (which would be rare here) then I would advice you to take vaccine.
Hope this will help you and get back to me with more information.
Regards,
Dr.Sandip Kabra
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
