Is Rabies Vaccination Required When Scratched By A Dog?

Posted on Sat, 1 Oct 2016

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

Sat, 1 Oct 2016 Answered on

Mon, 24 Oct 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : My family dog scratched my lip with her paw. She split it and it began to bleed. It has stopped bleeding and is fairly small. Any cause for concern? I'm 40 and believe my last tetanus shot was in 2010 or 2011.

Answered by Dr. Ralph Chambers (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Hello. You need a tetanus booster

Detailed Answer:
Hi. Since it's been at least 5 years since your last tetanus booster you need another one. Also, if I were your doctor, I would give you a course of prophylactic antibiotics like Septra DS to stave off any potential infection that might occur.

Please let me know if you need any more information.

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