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Any risk of rabies by just licking
Hi, I sometimes feed dogs near my home- 2-3 of them r very playful n end up licking my hand or put their mouths on my hands even when i try to resist
Just want to confirm if there's any risk of rabies or other disease from a healthy dog by licking on my skin ( no cuts or broken skin)
These licks leave no impression or mark on the skin though
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There’s no risk unless the skin is not broken
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dog licking healthy skin carries no risk of rabies. Dogs in the late, infectious stage of rabies typically display abnormal behavior, such as extreme aggression, paralysis, or excessive drooling, rather than friendly or playful licking.
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if the dogs are still healthy and behaving normally 10 days after your interaction, they were not capable of transmitting rabies at the time of the licks
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While the rabies risk is negligible, dog saliva can contain other bacteria you should always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after these interactions to maintain general hygiene. Check for Micro cuts Even if the skin looks intact, ensure you don't have minor "paper cuts" or dry, cracked cuticles, as these could provide an entry point for other common skin infections
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Yes dont take unnecessary risk.
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Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
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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 discussion
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Need a few more details please consult for further evaluation and treatment
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No risk of there is no cuts or abrasions on your skin and the dog is also healthy
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As such no
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No risk of rabies if the dog licks intact skin (no cuts or wounds). Rabies spreads only through broken skin or mucosa.
Just wash hands with soap after contact. No vaccine needed in this situation.
If any cut/exposure happens in future, then consult a doctor immediately.
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No need, you are safe ,if not broken skin or open wound.
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Dr. Romain Rajan
General Physician
2 yrs exp
Ghaziabad
Hello,
I am Dr. Romain Rajan, General Physician (Ex Govt Medical Officer at RML Hospital, New Delhi), and your case has been allotted to me.
Thank you for sharing your concern. I understand why you want to be sure about safety while interacting with dogs.
Based on the information you have shared, licking of intact (unbroken) skin by a healthy dog does NOT transmit rabies. The rabies virus requires entry through broken skin or mucosa, and simple licking over normal skin is considered safe.
At present, your situation does not suggest any risk or emergency. Many such interactions happen commonly and do not lead to infection when the skin is intact.
What you should do now
⢠Wash your hands with soap and water after feeding dogs
⢠Avoid letting dogs lick open wounds, cuts, or eyes/mouth
⢠Maintain general hand hygiene
⢠Observe the dogs for any abnormal behavior
When you should consult a doctor immediately
⢠If there is any bite, scratch, or broken skin exposure
⢠If a dog appears aggressive, sick, or behaving abnormally
⢠If saliva comes in contact with open wound or mucosa
Please monitor your situation, but based on your description, no vaccination or treatment is required.
Please remember that online guidance has its limitations. If you ever have a high risk exposure, it is always safer to consult early.
For personalised one to one consultation on this or any future concern, you can reach out to me directly on WhatsApp at 85271646 seven seven.
Wishing you good health and peace of mind.
Dr. Romain Rajan
General Physician
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Dr. Rachna Pande
Internal Medicine
42 yrs exp
Bhopal
Avoid it, right now there is no risk. However if their habit continues, any time small cut or abrasion on your hands can put you in risk of rabies.
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Dr. Sajid Ali
General Practitioner
4 yrs exp
Kanpur
No need of vaccine
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