Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Licked by a dog will I get rabies
I got licked by a stray dog on lower back of my leg the hairy part after 15 minutes as I reached home I washed the whole area with detergent first got no sting or burn to check for microscopic scratches and the skin looked intact and I had my cat 2 vaccine taken in sep 2025 and re exposure boosters in jan 19 am i still safe even if there was s microscopic scratches i didn't find any though even though two days after the lick I got the 1st booster dose one is still remaining I'm really concerned and got really anxious about and seeing dogs and cats are making me uneasy as i know the fatality of the disease please re assure me
Answers (15)
Get your queries answered instantly with Care AI FREE
20000+ health queries resolved in last month
Hello. Based on your description, a stray dog licking intact skin where there is no visible break, bleeding, or stinging sensation represents a Category 1 exposure, which carries zero transmission risk. Even if we hypothetically consider an unrecognized microscopic scratch (Category 2), you are highly protected. Having completed a vaccine series in September 2025 followed by a recent booster in January, your baseline neutralizing antibody titers are exceptionally strong. Getting your first post-exposure booster 2 days after the lick reinforces this defense perfectly, making the chance of rabies transmission virtually impossible.
Next Steps
What you should do:
Complete your remaining scheduled booster dose exactly on time as advised by your local protocol. Following through ensures 100% adherence to standard safety guidelines.
Avoid using harsh household detergents on the skin for minor exposures, as they can cause severe chemical irritation or localized dermatitis; sticking to running tap water and a mild bathing soap is clinically sufficient.
Health Tips
Rabies anxiety (rabiesphobia) is incredibly common and causes real, intense physical unease when seeing animals. Medically speaking, your prompt actions and solid vaccination timeline mean you are completely safe. To properly review your specific dates, map out the final booster dose timeline, and receive a medical certificate or reassurance to quiet this severe anxiety, you can book a consultation via my profile or message me directly on WhatsApp at: six three six nine four six zero five seven seven.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced doctor online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
+157
Consult with doctor..
Answered
Flag this answer
0/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
kindly do connect and consult with me for better treatment plan and advice on your case via PRACTO app
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
By your history, be assured nothing will happen to you.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Not needed.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Proper evaluation and personalised advice are needed for your concern. A detailed consultation would be best to provide accurate guidance.
Feel free to consult me for further assistance.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/2 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Lick dose not harm u, u don't need any vaccine
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
If your skin is intact ,then no worry .I mean no scratch or broken skin ,then no need of vaccine.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Gaurav Jaiswal
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Jhansi
Avoid fried and spicy food
Water intake more
Green leafy vegetables more
Fiber meal
Do connect and consult
Will help you
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Vetsa Sri Krishna Chaitanya
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rajahmundry
Need a few more details please consult for further evaluation and treatment
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Anshad A Salam
General Physician
1 yrs exp
Mangalore
You are completely safe. A lick on intact skin carries zero risk, and your recent boosters provide ironclad protection. Just take your final scheduled dose for complete peace of mind.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Yogita
General Physician
5 yrs exp
Rohtak
There is no need but if you have any doubt then take booster dose.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Suraj Sharma
General Practitioner
4 yrs exp
Jaipur
Take booster
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Anuj Mothsra
General Practitioner
7 yrs exp
Jhunjhunu
Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Dr. Ravi Kumar Nadella
General Physician
18 yrs exp
Hyderabad
Take booster if doubt
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Articles you may like
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
The question asked on this page is a free question. You can ask a free health question by downloading the Practo app.
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
Tell us what's troubling you
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.