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Is Anti Rabies Vaccine Needed After Superficial Scratch By Stray Dog?
Question: Hello,
I got a minor scratch from one of the stray dogs that I feed. He was jumping on me and being playful and accidentally scratched me. It's a superficial scratch and there wasn't any bleeding. Should I get any shots?
I got a minor scratch from one of the stray dogs that I feed. He was jumping on me and being playful and accidentally scratched me. It's a superficial scratch and there wasn't any bleeding. Should I get any shots?
Brief Answer:
Antirabies shots are advised if the scratch is caused by dog's teeth.
Detailed Answer:
Hi & Welcome to HCM.
I appreciate your concern for the minor scratch from the stray dog.
If the scratch is caused by the dog's teeth, you will have to take the shots for anti rabies vaccines on day 0, 3, 7, 14, & 30.
So, the rabies virus spreads through the saliva of the biting dogs so even the scratches or licks can possibly transmit the disease.
Besides wash the affected area with soap and water and put some antibiotic cream on it and a booster dose of tetanus toxoid is recommended if you have not taken the same in previous 5 years.
Hope to have answered your query.
Best regards.
Antirabies shots are advised if the scratch is caused by dog's teeth.
Detailed Answer:
Hi & Welcome to HCM.
I appreciate your concern for the minor scratch from the stray dog.
If the scratch is caused by the dog's teeth, you will have to take the shots for anti rabies vaccines on day 0, 3, 7, 14, & 30.
So, the rabies virus spreads through the saliva of the biting dogs so even the scratches or licks can possibly transmit the disease.
Besides wash the affected area with soap and water and put some antibiotic cream on it and a booster dose of tetanus toxoid is recommended if you have not taken the same in previous 5 years.
Hope to have answered your query.
Best regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Thanks for your response. I should have mentioned that it was his paw that scratched me not his teeth. My doctor prescribed a tetanus shot which I got today. Not sure if I should also get the anti rabies vaccine? The problem is I'm going away on holiday for ten days, starting tomorrow. I can get one shot before I leave but what happens if I miss both the 3rd and 7th day shots? My doctor has asked me to keep an eye on the dog and if he remains healthy for the next ten days, she says there's no need to get the vaccine. Problem is I can't do that as I wont be here. Please advise. Thanks!
Brief Answer:
Vaccination is not required if the scratch is due to the paws
Detailed Answer:
Hi & Welcome back.
Thanks for your kind information that you had the scratches caused by the paws of the stray dog.
As explained earlier, the virus is transmitted through the salivary secretion of the rabid animal like a stray dog, since the scratches were due to the paws of the animal so there is no need to take anti rabies vaccine.
Hope to have answered your query.
If you don't have any thing to ask more, kindly close the discussion after rating the answers given.
Best regards.
Vaccination is not required if the scratch is due to the paws
Detailed Answer:
Hi & Welcome back.
Thanks for your kind information that you had the scratches caused by the paws of the stray dog.
As explained earlier, the virus is transmitted through the salivary secretion of the rabid animal like a stray dog, since the scratches were due to the paws of the animal so there is no need to take anti rabies vaccine.
Hope to have answered your query.
If you don't have any thing to ask more, kindly close the discussion after rating the answers given.
Best regards.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Answered by
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