Can Rabies Be Contracted From Touching A Dog?

Posted on Wed, 18 Oct 2017

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

Wed, 18 Oct 2017 Answered on

Tue, 14 Nov 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I was in my cousin's home when my 1.5 old daughter taken to show dogs by my cousin's sons going to high school. By the time I relaised this, she was already infront of 3 dogs from neighbour hood. I immediately took her out from there and asked whether she touched the dogs for that they said no. I cleaned her hand immediately and also checked if there is any wound in her hand and didn't find anything.

But from back of my mind i am worried too much about these Rabies and please advise if i have to administer her with the vaccination inmediately.

I may not be able to watch those dogs for next few days.

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Unless she has been bitten or scratched there is no reason to worry

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone through your query carefully and understand your concerns.

Let me assure you that you have no reason to worry. Unless the dogs have bitten or scratched her she is unlikely to get rabies. Therefore there is no reason to get her vaccinated.

Let me know if I could help further.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Diptanshu Das (7 hours later)

No sign of dog bitten or scratched. But she had small scratches previously and just worried what if the dog had licked or she touched the saliva.

Just for the peace of mind, can we give the vaccination for her?

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (53 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I do not see the significance of the vaccination

Detailed Answer:
Do not worry about the previous scratches. You need not grow apprehensive about the possible lick.

You may feel free to vaccinate her. I do not find it necessary. The choice is yours.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana

Follow up: Dr. Diptanshu Das (6 hours later)

Ok. Thanks for the response. After your feedback i feel it make sense not to vaccinate her.

Since she went walking close to the dog and trying to touch it and even dog was showing some affection, i was bit worried as i was not sure what happened in the vicinity for couple of minutes when i was not there.

I have anyways asked my cousin to have a close look at those dogs and let me know in case of any abnormalities in next 10 days. Hope it make sense
.

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Seems fine

Detailed Answer:
Seems fine.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D