HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients
Book a video visit
HealthTap
Telehealth
A member asked:

I got bitten by a dog a few years ago, could i still get rabies?

2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers

Yes but not that one: A person who got bitten by a dog a few years ago did not get rabies virus from that bite, or he would have died long ago. However, he can get rabies now from a new bite by a rabid animal. The usual incubation period, from time of bite to time of rabies symptoms, is about 3 weeks to 3 months.

Answered 10/26/2011

6.3k views

Thank

No: I assume that you got the anti-rabies shots. Rabies causes infection and is very lethal in 1-3 weeks but if you have gone this long, you are safe. And you have the benefit of some immunity from the shots you got to protect against future exposure.

Answered 3/26/2013

6k views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

5 years ago, I got bitten by a street cat. I didn't get any shots back then. Do I need vaccinations today because I'm anxious about rabies.

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

I was bitten by a monkey in my childhood, 20 yrs ago. Can i get rabies or herpes simian b virus after 20 years due to that bite?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

I was bitten by my cat last year, my cat is still alive to this day and she's still healthy. I had no shots when she bit me, am I safe against rabies?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

I was bitten by a dog 2 year ago, but not vaccinated. Am I still in risk of rabies? What should I do now?

A doctor has provided 1 answer

A member asked:

Is it true your immune to rabies for one year if you've get bitten by a dog and get 4/4 rabies shots? Just out of curiosity

A doctor has provided 1 answer

Sponsored Content
HealthTap Medical Group does not endorse products or services. Sponsored content revenues support our mission to make health information free and accessible to all.Learn more

People also searched for:

I was bitten by a non-vaccinated kitten 10+ years ago. Bite was on the side of my thumb. I didn't get any shots. Will I still get rabies?
Is it still probable cause to get a Rabies vaccine covered by insurance if u were bitten 3 years ago by cat and incubation could be 6.5yrs. Scared!
Three years back one medical attendent gave me injection to me just after cleaning a wound of a monkey bitten man? Can i get rabies?
Advice from someone who knows about rabies. Got bit 3 years ago by a stray cat. Should I still get vaccinated? Will I get rabies without it still?
Got bit 5 yrs ago by stray cat. Should I get shots still. I hear incubation 4 rabies can be years but local doctors will probs think Im wrong. Am I?

Telemedicine

Primary Care
Manage Your Conditions
Women's Health
Children's Health
Men's Health
Senior Health
Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle
Sexual Health
Mental & Behavioral Health
Travel Medicine
Urgent Care
Ask your question
Didn't find what you're looking for?

90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.

Ask your question

More of what we treat

Allergies
Antibiotics
Asthma
High Blood Pressure
Prescriptions
Type 2 Diabetes
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.
HealthTap
HIPAA logo
HIPAASecure
Soc 2 Type 2 logo
SOC 2 Type 2Certified
JCAHO Accredited
JCAHOAccredited
Member App

Download HealthTap

Video visit and message your doctor

Member App QR Code
Play Store Member LinkApp Store Member Link

Questions?

+1 (888) 828-0841support@healthtap.com
LinkedInTwitter
HomeTermsPrivacyCookiesDMCAHealth TopicsDoctors DirectoryDoctor Q&A by Specialty
Copyright 2026 HealthTap, Inc.