Is Rabies Vaccination Required After Coming In Contact With Saliva Of Dog?

Posted on Thu, 1 Jun 2017

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

Thu, 1 Jun 2017 Answered on

Wed, 21 Jun 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : My kids left the dig food outside, I am not sure if something got into it. I picked up the bag (the outside) rightt after I itched my eyes and used the bathroom--Is there any chance that if an animal got into it the night before (I handled the bag at aprox 1030 am) that they could have left some saliva on it that could lead to rabies.

I guess the vector would be possible slavia on the bag, then transferred to fingers, then to eyes when I rubbed them, or to penis when I used the bathroom.

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
NO!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Rabies comes from direct contact with the saliva of animals carrying the virus. Also, it requires that body to have a breach. You do not exhibit this risk. However, unless a huge mistake, no dogs in the USA are allowed unvaccinated against rabies.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Feel free to follow up with me if need be.

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

Follow up: Dr. Ivo Ditah (7 minutes later)

My dog is vaccinated my concern would be a stray or raccoon got in his food, left saliva on the bag then I handled the bag a few hours later, got saliva or saliva residue on my hand then touched my eye, the my penis while using the bathroom

Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No risk of rabies here!

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

There is no risk of rabies here. Viruses do not survive in the wild. Be calm and relaxed about this.

I wish you well.

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