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Could I or my sister have contracted rabies this way?
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Infectious Illnesses
Question #20002
2 hours ago
19

Could I or my sister have contracted rabies this way? - #20002

Ann

Last night I petted a little dog that was on a leash with its owner. The owner said she was only temporarily taking care of the dog and didn't know if it was vaccinated against rabies. My sister and I petted its head, around the ears, and possibly its muzzle. When I got home, while undressing, I touched my hair and a wound on my head with the same hands that had touched that dog. I have a wound on my head, about 1-2 cm in diameter, and it's about 1-2 days old. My sister touched the inside of her nose, the nasal mucosa, with those hands. Of course, we washed our hands twice with soap afterward. Please tell me, could I or she have contracted rabies or anything? Thank you very much, please answer, I'm worried about her and myself.

Age: 24
Chronic illnesses: No
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Doctors’ responses

Dr. Arsha K Isac
I am a general dentist with 3+ years of working in real-world setups, and lemme say—every single patient teaches me something diff. It’s not just teeth honestly, it’s people… and how they feel walking into the chair. I try really hard to not make it just a “procedure thing.” I explain stuff in plain words—no confusing dental jargon, just straight talk—coz I feel like when ppl *get* what's going on, they feel safer n that makes all the difference. Worked with all ages—like, little kids who need that gentle nudge about brushing, to older folks who come in with long histories and sometimes just need someone to really sit n listen. It’s weirdly rewarding to see someone walk out lighter, not just 'coz their toothache's gone but coz they felt seen during the whole thing. A lot of ppl come in scared or just unsure, and I honestly take that seriously. I keep the vibe calm. Try to read their mood, don’t rush. I always tell myself—every smile’s got a story, even the broken ones. My thing is: comfort first, then precision. I want the outcome to last, not just look good for a week. Not tryna claim perfection or magic solutions—just consistent, clear, hands-on care where patients feel heard. I think dentistry should *fit* the person, not push them into a box. That's kinda been my philosophy from day one. And yeah, maybe sometimes I overexplain or spend a bit too long checking alignment again but hey, if it means someone eats pain-free or finally smiles wide in pics again? Worth it. Every time.
1 hour ago
5

Hello,

Risk of rabies from your situation is extremely low to essentially zero.

Rabies spreads mainly through bites or when infected saliva enters a fresh wound or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth) directly.

You and your sister only petted a normal-acting dog on a leash; no bite or lick into wounds/mucosa occurred.

Any saliva that might have been on fur would be minimal and the virus doesn’t survive well on dry surfaces.

You washed your hands, which further eliminates risk.

Rabies PEP (shots) is not needed in this scenario.

Only seek care if there was a bite, scratch, direct lick into wound/nose/eye, or if the dog becomes ill within 10 days.

🛑You’re both safe and don’t need to worry.

I hope thus resolved your query Thank you

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1 replies
Ann
Client
1 hour ago

The dog is not mine. I do not know if it has rabies or not, and there is no way for me to know. The dog’s owner doesn’t know either, as she is only looking after the dog temporarily for someone else. When we got home, I touched a wound on my scalp, and my sister touched the mucous membrane inside her nose. After we realized what we had done, we washed our hands with soap. Not before, but after.

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