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Could I or my sister have contracted rabies this way?
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Infectious Illnesses
Question #20002
143 days ago
273

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

It sounds like the risk of contracting rabies from the interaction you’ve described is extremely low. Rabies transmission primarily occurs through bites or scratches from an infected animal, where the saliva has direct access to mucous membranes or open wounds. Just petting a dog or touching its fur is unlikely to transmit the virus unless there was saliva transfer involved; and it then contacting a mucous membrane or open wound. Since the dog was on a leash and with a caretaker, it significantly decreases the chances that it was a rabid stray. Also, rabies in domesticated dogs in many regions is rare due to widespread vaccination programs. However, if you have any concerns about the wound, it’s always wise to have it examined by a healthcare professional as basic wound care is important to prevent other types of infections. Washing your hands is a good initial step for hygiene. If you are still very concerned or in a region with a high incidence of rabies, consulting a doctor for potential post-exposure prophylaxis might be beneficial, especially if you learn later that the dog’s health is questionable. For your peace of mind, keeping track of the dog’s health for about 10 days can also be reassuring, as dogs with rabies typically show symptoms within that time frame. Overall, the likelihood that either of you contracted rabies in this situation is quite minimal, but staying vigilant and informed is always beneficial.

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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.
143 days 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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Ann
Client
143 days 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.

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.
142 days ago
5

Hello,

Even touching the wound or your sister touching inside her nose before washing still does not realistically create a rabies risk in this situation.

For rabies to be a concern, ALL of the following normally need to happen: The dog must actually have rabies There must be fresh, wet saliva involved That saliva must go directly and immediately into a bite, fresh wound, eyes, mouth, or nose

🛑Hand-to-wound transfer is not considered a real-life route of infection in medical guidance

Any tiny saliva traces on hands (if present at all) would be minimal and the virus does not survive well on skin

Hope this resolved your concerns

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Dr. Bharat Joshi
I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.
143 days ago
5

Hello dear See the ultimate source of rabies infection is saliva by rabied animal by Bite Scratch Saliva penetration into the infected or involved tissue with blood contact So none of the above events happened with you so chances of rabies are Nil. Also there is no need for pep So donot worry You are fine Regards

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2 replies
Ann
Client
143 days ago

Thank you for the answer . But I touched my fresh wound on my head by this hands that I petted a dog .

Dr. Bharat Joshi
I’m a periodontist and academician with a strong clinical and teaching background. Over the last 4 years and 8 months, I’ve been actively involved in dental education, guiding students at multiple levels including dental hygienist, BDS, and MDS programs. Currently, I serve as a Reader at MMCDSR in Ambala, Haryana—a role that allows me to merge my academic passion with hands-on experience. Clinically, I’ve been practicing dentistry for the past 12 years. From routine procedures like scaling and root planing to more advanced cases involving grafts, biopsies, and implant surgeries. Honestly, I still find joy in doing a simple RCT when it’s needed. It’s not just about the procedure but making sure the patient feels comfortable and safe. Academically, I have 26 research publications to my credit. I’m on the editorial boards of the Archives of Dental Research and Journal of Dental Research and Oral Health, and I’ve spent a lot of time reviewing manuscripts—from case reports to meta-analyses and even book reviews. I was honored to receive the “Best Editor” award by Innovative Publications, and Athena Publications recognized me as an “excellent reviewer,” which honestly came as a bit of a surprise! In 2025, I had the opportunity to present a guest lecture in Italy on traumatic oral lesions. Sharing my work and learning from peers globally has been incredibly fulfilling. Outside academics and clinics, I’ve also worked in the pharmaceutical sector as a Drug Safety Associate for about 3 years, focusing on pharmacovigilance. That role really sharpened my attention to detail and deepened my understanding of drug interactions and adverse effects. My goal is to keep learning, and give every patient and student my absolute best.
143 days ago
5

Hello dear Thanks for kind response See if your hand had contact with saliva of involved dog, them chances are there other wise you are safe Regards

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