Is Anti Rabies Vaccination Advisable After Getting Scratched By A Street Dog?

Posted on Sun, 21 Jun 2015

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

Sun, 21 Jun 2015 Answered on

Mon, 13 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello doctor
Yesterday street dog put his leg on my leg it is any serious matter
There is no sign of red blood are seem any where pls suggest me
I think a small skin is scratch little bit sign is white not red illitle withe

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is low risk category wound but taking anti rabies vaccination is better

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in.

I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.

1. There is no serious concern if the dog has stepped on your leg. However you have a doubtful scratch on the skin.

2. If there is a scratch on the skin then it is a low risk category wound but taking precaution is always better.

3. For your protection, it is suggested that you take anti rabies vaccination 5 dose schedule and tetanus toxoid injection.

Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar