Bitten By German Shepherd Dog. Took Tetanus Shot And Anti Rabies Vaccination. Any Suggestion?

Posted on Sat, 16 Feb 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 16 Feb 2013 Answered on

Fri, 8 Mar 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : sir i was bitten by an german shepherd dog on 21-12-2012. at that time i have taken onlyTetanus Toxoid Injection.
on 16-2-2013 i have taken anti rabies injection.the dog is still alive,is this dog cause rabies,is there any problem taking anti rabies injection now

Answered by Dr. Synthyia Bhagat (19 minutes later)

Hi,

Thanks for your query.

Incubation period of rabies is from 1 month to 3 months; but it can vary from 5 days to one year.

It is good that dog is healthy after about 2 months. I suggest you to take three injections of rabies vaccine. First dose you took today on 16/2/2013; the next dose will be 7 days after 1st dose and the third dose will be 21 or 28 days after 1st dose.

This will serve as pre exposure prophylaxis as well.

Hope I answered your query. Let me know if you have any other concerns.

Wish you good health...

God bless!!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Synthyia Bhagat (34 minutes later)

thank you,
does this dog bite causes rabies,if dog still live 2months after it bites me.

Answered by Dr. Synthyia Bhagat (15 minutes later)

Hi,

Thanks again.

Relax... Since dog is healthy after 2 months; nothing to worry.
But take 3 doses as I mentioned.

Take care
God bless...

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Synthyia Bhagat (1 hour later)

thank you,

site of bite is not paining when i touch it.if i thick about site of bite it is paining can i know the reason for that

Answered by Dr. Synthyia Bhagat (9 minutes later)

Thanks for your follow-ups.

Relax,do not worry it is just because of apprehension only.
Complete vaccination in time.
Be careful with dogs in future.
Good luck!!

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E