Is it a problem if scratched by a normal dog?

Feb 07, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Li Feng

Introduction

If scratched by a healthy dog, generally there is no problem, but it is recommended to receive the rabies vaccine. If the dog has been vaccinated against rabies, the person may not need vaccination, but the wound should still be treated: wash it with soapy water for more than half an hour, then rinse thoroughly with clean water, and disinfect with iodine tincture. Even if the dog carries the rabies virus, it is not infectious before showing symptoms.

If scratched by a healthy dog, you're generally fine, but it is recommended to receive the rabies vaccine.

If the dog has been vaccinated against rabies, the person may not need vaccination, but the wound should still be treated. Wash the area thoroughly with soap and water for more than 30 minutes, then rinse well with clean water, disinfect with iodine solution, and leave it uncovered. Even if a dog carries the rabies virus, it is not contagious before the animal shows symptoms. However, first confirm the dog's health status, and second, consider that rabies has an incubation period. The fatality rate from rabies infection is extremely high.

The rabies virus cannot infect humans through intact skin or mucous membranes. However, if there is a break in the skin, the virus may enter the body through the wound and cause disease. Therefore, rabies isn't only transmitted via bites from visibly rabid dogs; scratches or bites from normal dogs, cats, or other animals can also pose an infection risk whenever there is a break in the skin or mucous membranes. Hence, after being scratched by a dog, as a precaution, immediately wash the wound with soap and water and disinfect it with iodine tincture. Then, promptly go to a hospital for proper wound management and, under medical guidance, complete the full course of rabies vaccination.

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Could there be any problems if my own dog scratches me and breaks the skin, causing bleeding?

If your own dog scratches and breaks the skin, causing bleeding, there could be a risk. Since there is bleeding, you may become infected with bacteria from the dog, and there is a significant chance of contracting rabies. You should promptly treat the wound and, within 24 hours after disinfection, go to the hospital to receive the rabies vaccine so that antibodies can develop quickly to neutralize the virus. Avoid exposing the affected area to water to prevent infection.

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Is it necessary to get a vaccine after being scratched by a puppy?

Whether vaccination is needed after being scratched by a puppy should be determined based on individual circumstances and the puppy's health status. If the puppy is healthy, has been vaccinated, and the wound is minor, immediate wound irrigation may suffice without urgent vaccination. However, if the puppy's status is unknown or the wound is severe, timely administration of rabies vaccine is recommended to reduce the risk of infection.

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Do I need a vaccine if scratched by my own dog?

Generally, you need to get vaccinated if scratched by your own pet dog. A dog scratch is classified as a level-3 exposure to rabies; the wound should be thoroughly washed with running water and soap alternately, then disinfected with iodine tincture, and rabies vaccine should be administered promptly. This is because rabies virus infection is highly likely through bites or scratches, and if rabies develops, the fatality rate is nearly 100%.

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Do I need a shot if I was scratched by a dog and it bled?

Dogs are one of the primary hosts of the rabies virus, and the virus may be present in their saliva and claws. When a dog scratches a human, especially causing a bleeding wound, the virus can potentially enter the body through the wound. Rabies is an acute infectious disease; once the virus enters the human body, it spreads along nerve fibers toward the central nervous system.

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Does a person need a rabies shot if scratched by a puppy that has received the rabies vaccine?

In general, whether a person needs a rabies vaccine after being scratched by a puppy that has received the rabies vaccination depends on factors such as the puppy's vaccination history and the nature of the wound. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, it is important to keep the injection site clean and dry, avoid strenuous exercise and excessive fatigue, maintain a balanced diet, and enhance the body's immunity to promote antibody production.

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Is it a problem if a dog scratches the topmost layer of skin without causing bleeding?

In general, whether a dog's superficial scratch without bleeding is a concern depends on the severity of the wound. If it is a minor abrasion, there is usually no problem; however, if the scratched area is large, it may require attention. It is recommended to keep the wound clean and dry to promote healing. Additionally,加强 pet management to prevent scratches is advisable.

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Do I need a shot if scratched by a dog?

Whether a person needs a shot after being scratched by a dog depends on the specific circumstances. For safety, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly after any dog scratch, regardless of wound size, so that a doctor can determine whether rabies vaccination is necessary. Additionally, remember that the key to preventing rabies lies in receiving vaccinations beforehand and avoiding contact with animals that have not been vaccinated against rabies.

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What does it mean if the area around a wound caused by a dog scratch becomes red, and what should be done?

In general, redness around a dog scratch wound may be caused by factors such as skin damage, allergy, bacterial infection, fungal infection, or viral infection. Patients can receive symptomatic treatment based on the specific underlying cause. When the skin is damaged—whether from a cut, abrasion, or other injury—the body responds with an inflammatory reaction to the injury, which includes local blood vessel dilation.

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