HomeAnswersGeneral Practitioneranti-rabies vaccineMy puppy bit me. Do I need an anti-rabies vaccine?

My puppy nipped me and it is not vaccinated yet. Should I get anti-rabies vaccine?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Mashfika N Alam

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At March 3, 2018
Reviewed AtJuly 1, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Do I need an anti-rabies vaccine, because my two and a half-month-old puppy nipped me? It is barely a bite but I cleaned it and no symptoms seem to show up, my puppy is not vaccinated yet because it is too young. I am 18 years old.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

If the bite was unprovoked and if it caused bleeding then you should get a course of anti-rabies vaccine plus a shot of tetanus immunoglobulin, to be on the safe side. Even though it is a pet, it is not immunized so the standard protocol is to get vaccinated if the above-mentioned factors are present. Also, wash the wound with soap and water thoroughly. If the skin was not broken and if the attack was provoked, then it is not necessary to get vaccinated. However, given the nil immunization status of your pet, you may want to be on the safe side and get the shots. I hope this helps. Thank you and take care. Regards.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Mashfika N Alam

Dr. Mashfika N Alam

General Practitioner

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