Does a scratch from a stray dog cause rabies? Yesterday evening while playing with a stray dog in our society I was scratched by the dog when it jumped on me. The scratch is very little. I am not sure whether the scratch caused any bleeding but there is little red spot on the skin. Also I know that dog very well as I give it food many times. It appears healthy and does not show any sign of rabies. Should I go to doctor?
Hello, Welcome to Chat Doctor, Rabies is 100% fatal, but it is 100% preventable by proper and adequate treatment. As you were scratched by a stray dog which has led to small amount of bleeding, according to WHO categories of animal bite it has been categorized into Cat III. Which requires1. Wash the wound properly with soap and water under the running water.2. Active immunization with antirabies vaccine on days 0,3,7,14 and 28.3. Passive immunization with rabies immunoglobulin should be administered in and around the wound.4. In TT5. A course of antibiotics should be taken. Thank you