Rabies Non Bite exposure - am I at risk?

[BCguest]

Hi,

I had an experience yesterday and wanted to get an expert opinion. I was walking in Vancouver with my girlfriend when she stopped to give some money to a busker, he didn't look homeless (he was playing violin through a amplifier) and he had his dog sleeping next to him. Anyway, she put the money in the dog's water bowl by accident then reached in to take it out. After this, she touched my hand and I felt the water on it, later I noticed my finger has a very small cut on the side (not sure if the water reached here). My question is, am I at risk for rabies? I have a history of anxiety problems and this is really worrying me. My girlfriend called the doctor and he said to come in if I develop a fever, which seems really weird advice. Another question is, how can you get the post exposure shots if doctors don't think you need them?

Thanks!

[BCguest]

Thanks for the reply.. this dog did not display any unusual behaviour and looked well looked after. I am probably going to get post exposure shots after work tonight just to play it safe and help my anxiety.

[Sundance2104]

It is possible for one to contract rabies without being bitten seeing that the virus is transmitted through the saliva of an infected animal. The dog you mentioned however is unlikely to be host to such a disease. Animals with rabies generally exhibit very agressive behavior and often act confused, restless, and will often attack without warning.