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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Rabies Vaccination Required When Scratched By A Puppy?

Hi. Just want to ask.. my puppy accidentally scratch me and bite me.. but his just playing and no open wounds.. he does not have any injections since he is new to me.. just mild scratch.. and the bite was just like a pinch.. no blood.. do i need go to clinic to inject anti rabies?thank you..
Tue, 29 Nov 2016
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi & Welcome.

Based on the history given you seem to have Category II of exposure (dogbite) which means nibbling of uncovered skin, minor scratches or
abrasions without bleeding.

So, you need to take 4 doses of anti rabies vaccines into the deltoid muscles immediately on day 0, 3, 7, & 14.

Observe your puppy throughout 10 days for any signs of rabies like biting without any provocation, eating abnormal items such as sticks, nails, faeces, running for no apparent reason, excessive salivation or foaming at the angles of the mouth or a change in sound e.g. hoarse barking and growling or inability to make a sound.

If your puppy remains healthy, then you may discontinue the fourth dose scheduled on day 14.

Beside the wound should be washed thoroughly with soap and water, followed by the application of alcohol or iodine solution like povidone.

You also need to take a booster dose of tetanus toxoid if not immunized earlier and proper antirabies vaccination should also be given to your puppy
every year.

Hope this answers your query.
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Is Rabies Vaccination Required When Scratched By A Puppy?

Hi & Welcome. Based on the history given you seem to have Category II of exposure (dogbite) which means nibbling of uncovered skin, minor scratches or abrasions without bleeding. So, you need to take 4 doses of anti rabies vaccines into the deltoid muscles immediately on day 0, 3, 7, & 14. Observe your puppy throughout 10 days for any signs of rabies like biting without any provocation, eating abnormal items such as sticks, nails, faeces, running for no apparent reason, excessive salivation or foaming at the angles of the mouth or a change in sound e.g. hoarse barking and growling or inability to make a sound. If your puppy remains healthy, then you may discontinue the fourth dose scheduled on day 14. Beside the wound should be washed thoroughly with soap and water, followed by the application of alcohol or iodine solution like povidone. You also need to take a booster dose of tetanus toxoid if not immunized earlier and proper antirabies vaccination should also be given to your puppy every year. Hope this answers your query.