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My unvaccinated stray dog bit me 10 days ago. Do I need rabies shots?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | 27 lbs

I adopted a stray dog. I have not vaccinated her against rabies. When I was playing with her she had bitten me in my palm. There was little blood and little scratch. But I think the dog did not have rabies. She had bitten me 10 days ago. Is it necessary to get rabies shots.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Alysia Van Scoy, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 5th, 2017

There is a usually a 10 day quarantine period after an animal breaks the skin of a person. If the animal has rabies in it's saliva - it show signs of rabies within 10 days. This doesn't not mean that the animal doesn't have rabies- just that it couldn't have transmitted it at the time of the bite. Rabies can have a long incubation period. Rabies should be taken very seriously because it is a fatal virus. I would recommend getting Tofy vaccinated as soon as possible. I would recommend consulting with a local veterinarian on what happened and have an exam done on Tofy. They can give you the necessary information. Please get her examined and vaccinated to protect her and yourself. Thanks for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on January 2nd, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Yes, If the stray dog has rabies in the transmissible form, in the salivary gland, then the stray dog will show neurological signs or die in 10 days. It doesn’t mean that it doesn’t HAVE rabies if the stray is normal at day 10 but not in the form that could cause Tofy to get Rabies. If the stray is alive and normal then Tofy should be fine.

I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on July 8th, 2018
Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Kobe will need to be quarantine for 10 days. If Kobe had rabies in the transmissible form (in the salivary gland) when he bit you he will show signs or die with in 10 days. If he dies, even from something else, in the 10 day window you will need to have him tested for Rabies. If in 10 days he is fine then you did not get Rabies. I encourage you to get him vaccinated for Rabies after the 10 day window as Rabies is deadly to people and it is against the law to NOT vaccinate your dog if he is old enough to receive one.

I wish you the best!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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