Anti Rabies Vaccine

Dear Ask The Doctor: Hello Doctor, Last Thursday night, Nov 18, I was trying then to get the food plate of my pet dog in his cage so I can feed him when he suddenly attacked me, I got a small scratch from his teeth on my forehead, it didn't bleed but I immediately washed it with soap then I applied an iodine (betadine solution). My dog had his anti-rabies shots then but I guess that's been a year already. So far it's been 6 days now and nothing bad has happen to my pet and to myself as well. (Aside from the migraine I had last Monday which I normally experienced since childhood). Is there a need for me to get a Post Exposure Anti-Rabies Vaccine or An anti-Tetanus Shot? And to mention, I had my first injection before of Anti Rabies two years ago but only on Day 0, unfortunately I didn't finish the series of injection. Anyway please advice me what is the safest thing to do now, thanks. Last Thursday night, Nov 18, I was trying then to get the food plate of my pet dog in his cage so I can feed him when he suddenly attacked me, I got a small scratch from his teeth on my forehead, it didn't bleed but I immediately washed it with soap then I applied an iodine (betadine solution). My dog had his anti-rabies shots then but I guess that's been a year already. So far it's been 6 days now and nothing bad has happen to my pet and to myself as well. (Aside from the migraine I had last Monday which I normally experienced since childhood). Is there a need for me to get a Post Exposure Anti-Rabies Vaccine or An anti-Tetanus Shot? And to mention, I had my first injection before of Anti Rabies two years ago but only on Day 0, unfortunately I didn't finish the series of injection. Anyway please advice me what is the safest thing to do now, thanks.

Dear Ryan:

I comprehend how worried you are about your recent incident. I totally agree with your rapid measures and the fact that you cleaned your wound with soap and water; this might be enough for the apparent superficial wound that you mentioned.

Based on your injuries and situation in which the bite occurred, you and your doctor can decide whether you should receive treatment to prevent rabies. Since the injury you described appears to be superficial and your dog after 6 days of observation hasn’t develop any symptoms of rabies such as irritability, excessive salivation nor you have developed symptoms such as fever, headache, agitation, anxiety, confusion , hallucinations and  anxiety, I would suggest you to keep watching for signs of alert for another 4 days. Certainly if you notice any unusual symptoms, then I would suggest you to consult your physician immediately. If your last Tetanus shot was given more than 10 years ago, I would suggest you to get a booster shot.