Is Rabies Vaccination Required After Being Scratched By A Dog?

Posted on Sat, 22 Jul 2017

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

Sat, 22 Jul 2017 Answered on

Tue, 8 Aug 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi I have one month old labra pup. While playing a few days back his teeth scratched and it bled a few drops. I am on vaxirab and have taken two shots and three more to go. Today his nail scratched me and it bled again. Is the current medication enough or should I redo the entire course. I had taken a TT on 19th July.

Answered by Dr. Shuba hariprasad (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No need for further vaccination

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for your query.
I'm Dr. Shuba Hariprasad and will be answering your query today.

No you don't need to start a new course of medications.
Just finish off the current course if vaccines.

You don't need another shot of Tetanus (Tt) either.
Wash the wound with soap and water thoroughly.

Hope I've answered all of your questions.
Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
Wish you good health.

Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Shuba hariprasad (2 hours later)

Hello Doctor, thanks for you reply. I had washed the cut with Savlon in running water but still there is a slight burning sensation. The puppy has also become a little aggressive.

Answered by Dr. Shuba hariprasad (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Don't worry

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for the follow up.

The cut will burn for a couple of days.
Rabies is spread through dog bites (from saliva) and not through cuts.
Dirty nails can cause local Infection and a risk of Tetanus, but that too you have washed the wound and are covered by the Tetanus vaccine you took last week.
So no worries. This shot will cover you for the next 5 years for minor wounds.

Is your pup a pure breed Labrador?

Take your pup outdoors. Give good exercise and some thing safe to chew on. Their growing jaw and teeth can make them aggressive. Running outdoors gives them an opportunity for exercise and to blunt their claws.

Please vaccinate him as per the schedule for dogs.

If you are still concerned, take him to a veterinarian.
Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
Wish you good health.

Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj