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What Are The Chances Of Getting Rabies From Touching The Dog?

Posted on Wed, 8 Jul 2015

Question: Hi, my son petted a dog, and it was hit by somebody and we did call vet who did give injections to the dog. During the process my son lifted the dog in order to give injections. Later the dog was shifted to blue cross. We were told that dog had died to backbone breakage. They did suspect that it also had early symptoms of rabies though not sure. Does my son need any vaccination. There was no scratch or abrasion. He just touched the dog.

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Rabies transmission is unlikely but getting vaccination is recommended

Detailed Answer:
Hi B,
Thanks for writing in.

I have read through your query online.
Please find my observations below.

1. Any pet dog has to be vaccinated against infectious diseases. These vaccinations are given to the dog starting few weeks after birth and then continued regularly once in a year. It protects the dog and the owner from rabies.

2. If the dog was given anti rabies injection then there is no problem at all.

3. Even if the dog was not vaccinated earlier, there is no need to worry about your son getting rabies from touching the dog. However, since they are not sure therefore your son might be given a complete course of anti rabies vaccination 5 dose schedule to be taken in the arm. This is a safe vaccine and recommended for children and adults.

Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (4 minutes later)

HI doc,

Thanks for your answer. Since this has happened three to four days ago, is it okay for us to go and get vaccination. Please advise.

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Vaccination will protect your son

Detailed Answer:
Hi B,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

1. Even if it is 3 days back incident, getting vaccination will work and produce antibodies against rabies and protect him. Rabies has no known cure and it is better to take precautions for your son.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar