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Should I get a rabies shot if my unvaccinated puppy scratched me?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Pembroke Welsh Corgi | Female | unspayed | 3 months and 25 days old | 12 lbs

Do I need to get rabies vaccine after my puppy scratched me? My puppy hasn't gotten the rabies shot yet. Thanks!!

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 12th, 2017

Rabies is only spread through the saliva of an infected animal so since your dog only scratched you, you should be perfectly fine. Just be sure to clean the scratch to prevent it from getting infected and make sure to get your dog vaccinated for rabies when he is old enough. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

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    Answered By Ann Dion, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 1st, 2017

    Hello. The first thing you should do is consult a human health professional regarding this issue and the risk in your area of rabies. Rabies is spread through the saliva, and could theoretically be transmitted by your puppy to you, however this is unlikely. Also, check to see if Sophie's mother was vaccinated, because if she was then Sophie should have had immunity and unable to contract rabies. I would consult your human doctor about this.

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