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Rabies vaccine
4 days ago I gave a hand shake to my dog.. the dog carpal pad region is watery like wet and it touches my palms.. my palms have scratches like peeling scratches due to itchy. I need a rabies vaccine or not.
I don't know whether the wet touches my scratch or not
Answers (11)
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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 such noneed
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Unlikely
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If there was no bite, bleeding wound, or direct saliva contact on an open fresh wound, rabies risk is very low. Simply touching wet paws usually does not require vaccine.
Wash hands properly with soap and monitor. For proper risk assessment and advice, please consult me directly.
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This situation is classified as NO rabies exposure.
Reasoning:
• You only touched the dog’s carpal pad (paw area).
• Even if it was wet, it is most likely sweat/moisture, not saliva.
• Rabies transmission requires fresh saliva or neural tissue entering:
• A bite wound
• A bleeding scratch
• Mucous membranes
Simply touching moist skin to superficial dry peeling scratches on your palm does not qualify as a rabies exposure.
Also important: Rabies virus does not survive well on surfaces and does not penetrate intact or mildly dry skin.
This is NOT Category II or III exposure under WHO guidelines.
Next Steps
✔ No rabies vaccine required
✔ No rabies immunoglobulin required
✔ No need for booster
Just:
• Wash hands normally with soap
• Keep scratches clean and dry
Observe the dog for 10 days (standard precaution). If the dog remains healthy and active, that further confirms zero risk.
Health Tips
Rabies does not spread through casual contact, handshakes, touching paws, or wet fur. Transmission requires direct saliva into a fresh open wound or bite.
Your scenario does not meet that criteria.
If anxiety about rabies exposures keeps recurring, we can discuss a clear structured prevention plan so you don’t have to go through this stress repeatedly — you’re welcome to book a consultation so we can address this thoroughly and give you long-term clarity and peace of mind.
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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. 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. Suraj Sharma
General Practitioner
4 yrs exp
Jaipur
Need some more details kindly consult
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Dr. Dinesh Mehta
General Physician
3 yrs exp
Jaipur
No worry but You dont sure about that scratch is coming from dog or not,so better if you go for vaccination,why you take risk,because rabies is 100% fatal disease.there is no side effect of rabies vaccine.
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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.