Is There A Need For Vaccination After A Dog Stepped On Feet?

Posted on Sun, 26 Oct 2014

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

Sun, 26 Oct 2014 Answered on

Tue, 18 Nov 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hello Doctor, my daughter (15 yrs old) was stepped on her foot by a stray dog in the market two days back. She told me about this a few minutes later and the dog had gone by that time. We examined her feet and there was no sign of any scratch on her foot. There was no bleeding and my daughter had not felt any prick when the dog had stepped on her foot. At home, she washed her feet with water and soap and also applied an antiseptic lotion (sevlon) on that area. It is not possible to track the dog. Should we go for any medical treatment like vaccination or medication in this case. Pl advise.
Thanks and regards.

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (27 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Go ahead with vaccination

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day

Dear Mr XXXXXXX

It is next to impossible tracing a stray dog, even if traced it can't be observed. So no fruitful result occurs from it.

As the incident had occurred 2 days back, also in the moment of panic its very difficult to know whether the dog had just stepped on foot or there was associated scratch/bite or lick. Micro abrasion could heal in couple of days.

So it is recommended to go for vaccination, as the benefits outweigh the minor risk associated with vaccination.

Do get back to me if you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you.

Take Care

Best Regards
Dr Deepak Kaltari
Consultant Surgeon

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

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (6 hours later)

Hello Doctor,
Thanks for your response and advice. However, I need to clarify a few points reading your response. My daughter is sure that the dog had not licked nor was there any bite. Also, we had examined her foot for any scratch or injury within an hour of the incidence and not after two days. On examination that day itself, we had found no scratch or bleeding. Pl advise.

Thanks and regards.

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (23 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
No immunisation/vaccination required

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Dear Mr XXXXXXX

If the history is so reliable and you are sure that there is no bite or lick, then no prophylactic immunisation is required.
Rest be assured there is no cause for concern.

Wishing you and your family Happy Diwali and Happy new year

Take Care

Regards
Deepak

Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju