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Regarding dog bite
I have a dog . It's properly vaccinated and annual vaccination also given. In month of March, when I was giving medicine, it scratched me. Doctor asked me to take 5 course anti rabies vaccine and booster in month of October ( 8/ 2025). On Saturday I got scratched on my cheeks and there was a small cut. Now it healed and dried. Do I have to again take anti rabies vaccine
Answers (12)
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Kindly do connect and consult
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Go for two booster dose
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Better take 2 boosters.
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If you want to discuss your problem in more detail, feel free to message me on WhatsApp at nine one one nine two five five six nine nine for a detailed free discussion
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As per PEP guidelines
No need to vaccinate if exposed again within 3 months.
Provided you were vaccinated properly and had full course of 4-5 doses
In your case you need to have the booster dose only day 1 and day 3.
Next Steps
Get 2 booster dose (day 1 and day 3)
Health Tips
Immediate wound washing with soap and water for 15 minutes
Local wound care
Tetanus prophylaxis if needed
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Let’s analyze calmly.
• Your dog is properly vaccinated and on annual schedule
• Scratch happened in March → you completed full 5-dose ARV
• Booster taken in October 2025
• Now again a scratch on cheek
• Small cut, now healed
• Dog is healthy
If a person has completed full rabies vaccination and received booster, and exposure occurs within a few years:
Next Steps
✔ Observe the dog for 10 days
✔ If dog remains healthy → no vaccine needed
✔ If dog shows abnormal behavior → consult immediately
You do NOT need:
❌ Full 5-dose schedule again
❌ Rabies Immunoglobulin
If still anxious, at most:
Health Tips
✔ Immediately wash any scratch with soap and running water for 15 minutes
✔ Apply povidone iodine
✔ Keep pet vaccination record updated
✔ Avoid panic vaccination without indication
Important:
Repeated unnecessary rabies vaccination increases anxiety cycle and medical confusion.
Since this is your own vaccinated dog and you are already vaccinated with booster, the risk is negligible.
If you want, tell me:
• When exactly was last ARV dose taken?
• Is the dog completely normal today?
I can give you a final yes/no decision clearly. Booking an online consultation will allow structured rabies risk assessment and prevent unnecessary repeat vaccinations.
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Dr. Chaithra H
General Physician
5 yrs exp
Bangalore
Not recquired
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Dr. Anuj Mothsra
General Physician
6 yrs exp
Jhunjhunu
Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
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Dr. Sajid Ali
General Practitioner
4 yrs exp
Kanpur
Get booster dose
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Dr. Shaikh Huzaif
General Physician
20 yrs exp
Mumbai
Please consult
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Dr. Vetsa Sri Krishna Chaitanya
General Physician
7 yrs exp
Rajahmundry
Need a few more details please consult for further evaluation and treatment
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Dr. Dinesh Mehta
General Physician
3 yrs exp
Jaipur
Go for boosters ,dont take risk because rabies is 100%fatal disease ,that's why go for vaccination.
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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.