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My dog licked my open wound. Can I get rabies if his vaccine expired?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male

H! Can I get rabies if my dog lick my small open wound? He had a vaccine before but I think its already expired. Please help. Thanks!

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Leigh, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 2nd, 2016

More than likely you will not get rabies if your dog licked a small wound, especially if he has been vaccinated in the past. Monitor him for the next 10 days because that is the time between when an animal is infectious until they start showing clinical signs. So if your dog doesn't start showing clinical signs of rabies in the next 10 days you couldn't get rabies from him. If you are concerned and want more information, please call your own doctor or your local health department. You should also have his rabies updated if it has expired.

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 3rd, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! No, if the dog is rabies vaccinated and it has not expired you should be fine. I would not allow a dog to lick open wounds as it could cause an infection. If you are still worried I recommend calling your countries public health department. Have a good day!

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