Anti-rabies vaccine for dogs and human exposure

Canine rabies vaccination is given by veterinary professionals and recorded on a certificate. The product and schedule for a dog are separate from human rabies vaccination. Never use a veterinary dose for yourself or another person.

Following an incident, the dog's certificate is one part of the evaluation. The clinician also considers the wound, saliva contact, the dog's behaviour and health, whether it can be observed by the appropriate service, where the exposure occurred, and any rabies vaccines the person previously received.

Arrange routine dog vaccination and boosters through a veterinarian, store the certificate where it can be retrieved, and ask the clinic how to handle an overdue appointment. Vaccination should not be improvised at home.

If a dog bites or scratches someone, wash broken skin immediately with plenty of soap and running water. Obtain medical advice promptly and report the dog's owner, location, health and vaccination details. Avoid chasing or restraining an unknown dog; contact the relevant animal-control or public-health service.

A healthcare professional may recommend human rabies vaccine, rabies immunoglobulin, a tetanus update, antibiotics or other wound treatment according to the exposure. If a course is prescribed, attend every appointment and report any scheduling problem to the treating service.

Any skin-breaking bite, saliva on damaged skin, or saliva entering the eyes or mouth deserves prompt assessment. This is especially time-sensitive when the dog cannot be found, appears ill or behaves abnormally, although care should not depend on trying to diagnose the animal yourself.

Call emergency services for severe bleeding, major tissue damage, collapse, breathing difficulty or facial swelling. Seek clinical review for worsening tenderness, spreading redness, warmth, pus, fever, impaired movement or numbness around the injured area.

Ask whether the contact qualifies as an exposure, what wound care is still needed, and whether both vaccine and immunoglobulin are advised. Mention previous rabies vaccination, immune-system conditions, medicines, pregnancy and allergies so the plan can be tailored safely.