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My 7-week puppy bit me. Am I at risk for rabies if mom was vaccinated?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Dachshund miniature | Male | 1 month and 28 days old | 4.4 lbs

I got bitten by my 7-week old dachshund puppy while he was play biting but the wound was not deep. In fact it was a slight scratch but it bled. The puppy now is very healthy and keeps on playing. The mother of the pup was vaccinated a year ago (may 4, 2017) and the puppy was born on april 29, 2018. Does the pup still got the mother’s antibodies? Am I at risk for rabies? And oh. I got bitten by a dog years ago and received complete vaccines.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

Veterinarian

Published on June 26th, 2018

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Any bite from an unvaccinated animal puts you at risk for Rabies. Getting antibodies from the mother's milk is not enough protection. If the puppy has been indoors and not bitten by an unvaccinated animal it is VERY unlikely that it has Rabies. IF Dachie has Rabies he will die or show symptoms with in 10 days, if that happens you should seek immediate rabies treatment. You should be fine to wait the 10 days. Isolate and quarantine the puppy. It is good you have had the Rabies vaccine and you are likely protected but everyone's immune system is different. If you were bitten by a rabid animal you would be treated regardless of your own vaccine history but it is less involved. Have all your dogs Rabies vaccinated when age appropriate.

I wish you the best!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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