What should you know about a booster rabies vaccine for dogs?

Rabies is a serious viral infection that can spread through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite or scratch that breaks skin. Vaccinating a dog reduces the chance that the animal becomes infected and passes the virus on. A booster renews the dog’s immune response according to the schedule set by a veterinarian and local rules.

A vaccinated dog can still need veterinary assessment after an exposure. The animal’s vaccination record, health, behaviour and contact with other animals all affect the next steps. Do not assume that a familiar or healthy-looking dog makes a wound harmless.

Keep the dog’s vaccination certificate and ask the veterinarian when the next dose is due. After vaccination, monitor the injection area and general behaviour as advised. If a dog bites or scratches, wash the person’s wound immediately with soap and running water, avoid sealing a deep wound yourself, and contact medical services promptly.

Do not wait for symptoms in the exposed person or animal. If the dog has had contact with a potentially rabid animal, keep people and pets away from it and call a veterinarian or public-health service for instructions.

Seek urgent medical care after any bite or scratch that breaks skin, saliva contact with the eyes, mouth or an open wound, or a bite involving the face, hand or neck. Emergency help is needed for heavy bleeding, breathing problems, severe swelling or signs of an allergic reaction. Veterinary review is urgent if the dog develops unusual aggression, weakness, difficulty swallowing, excessive drooling or paralysis.

Ask whether the exposed person needs rabies post-exposure treatment, how to document the animal’s vaccination, and which wound, tetanus or infection checks are needed.