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Should I Take Tetanus Vaccine For Dog Scratch?

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Posted on Thu, 3 Apr 2014
Question: i have not had tetanus vaccine in 13 years. I have had about 7 doses and had a reaction from the last one. We now have a dog and I got a small scratch-just a red mark-no blood. Am I at risk for tetanus?
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (32 minutes later)
Brief Answer: hi and welcome to hcm Detailed Answer: Thanks for the query. The risk of tetanus infection is negligible and antitetanus is not routinely used after such minor injuries so you dont have to be worried at all. Even if the dog was infected which is rarity, tetanus almost cant be transmissed by scratch. But some local skin infectio may develop and if you notice redness spreading and pain,you ll need antibiotic treatment. wish you good health. Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich

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Practicing since :2008

Answered : 13886 Questions

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Should I Take Tetanus Vaccine For Dog Scratch?

Brief Answer: hi and welcome to hcm Detailed Answer: Thanks for the query. The risk of tetanus infection is negligible and antitetanus is not routinely used after such minor injuries so you dont have to be worried at all. Even if the dog was infected which is rarity, tetanus almost cant be transmissed by scratch. But some local skin infectio may develop and if you notice redness spreading and pain,you ll need antibiotic treatment. wish you good health. Regards