HomeAnswersChild Healthdog biteIs vaccination needed for a non-rabies dog bite?

Is vaccination needed for a non-rabies dog bite?

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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. Deepak Patel

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At November 5, 2017
Reviewed AtMay 23, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My daughter is 3 years old and has been bitten by a pet dog. The dog would not bite if not touched. It has been in our home for 10 years. It stays always at home. The dog does not have rabies. The dog is a Pomeranian breed. The wound is not very deep but a slight cut on the upper skin that was cleaned thoroughly by an antibiotic. Do I still need her to be injected? If no, should a tetanus shot be given?

Answered by Dr. Deepak Patel

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Any bite from a dog needs a vaccination for rabies. If the cut is not very deep, it will fall under grade 1 of dog bites and it will definitely need antirabies vaccination and tetanus vaccination. In grade 1 bites, antirabies immunoglobin is not needed but vaccine should be given along with tetanus vaccine. Even if the dog is a pet, the vaccine should be given because rabies once occurred has no treatment. Moreover, vaccination has no side effects. I suggest you get your child vaccinated as soon as possible.

I hope this will help you.

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

Dr. Deepak Patel
Dr. Deepak Patel

Child Health

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