HomeAnswersGeneral Medicinerabies vaccineIs it necessary to get rabies vaccination if a vaccinated pet dog scratches you?

My vaccinated pet dog scratched me today. Should I get the rabies vaccination?

Share

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

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Sneha Kannan

Published At April 20, 2020
Reviewed AtJanuary 29, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I scratched by my vaccinated dog today a few hours ago. Also, there was no bleeding in my hand. But there is some redness there. So guide me that it is still necessary to have ARV. Also, five months ago, I was vaccinated with ARV when there is a scratch of a dog then.

Hello.

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Although unvaccinated animals are more likely to transmit rabies, vaccinated animals can also do so if the vaccination of the biting animal was ineffective for any reason. History of rabies vaccination in an animal is not always a guarantee that the biting animal is not rabid. Animal vaccine failures may occur because of improper administration or poor quality of the vaccine, poor health status of the animal, and the fact that one vaccine dose does not always provide long-lasting protection against rabies infection in dogs or cats. The scratch on your skin comes under category II for post-exposure prophylaxis, for which anti-rabies vaccine is indicated. And although you have taken the vaccine five months before and your dog is also vaccinated, there are very minimal chances of you or your dog having rabies, but there is a minuscule chance. But according to the guidelines, you should get vaccinated again. Make sure to clean the area of scratch properly and thoroughly with soap and water. Observe your pet for the next ten days and see if its health deteriorates, which, if it does, would be a strong indication to get vaccinated.

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

Dr. Kapil Kumar Gupta
Dr. Kapil Kumar Gupta

General Medicine

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Read answers about:

dog biterabiesrabies vaccine

Ask your health query to a doctor online

General Medicine

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy