Is Vaccination Required When Scratched By A 3 Month Old Puppy?

Posted on Sun, 28 Jun 2015

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

Sun, 28 Jun 2015 Answered on

Mon, 20 Jul 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi Sir, my pet dog of less than 3 months has scratch me today by his nail, some little blood has come;is there any problem with this, or I have to take vaccine. Dog has not given anti-rabbies yet.

Answered by Dr. Rakesh Madhyastha (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No vaccination required

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

It is not necessary to receive rabies vaccination if the dog is otherwise healthy. Here is what I suggest

1. Watch the dog for symptoms of fever and altered habit like violent behaviour. These are signs of rabies
2. I recommend that you clean the wound well with water and antiseptic soap
3. anti tetanus vaccination has to be taken if not taken in the last 5 years
4, please get your dog vaccinated soon

I hope I was of help, if you have any further queries please get back to me

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