Can a person get infected if bitten by a dog through clothing?

Dog bites through clothing may or may not lead to infection, depending on various factors. If the dog has been vaccinated against rabies and there is no skin breakage or bleeding, infection typically does not occur. However, if the dog carries an infectious disease and breaks the skin despite the clothing, infection may happen. The details are as follows:

1. No infection

If the dog is healthy, free of infectious diseases, and has received the rabies vaccine, and the bite through clothing does not break the skin or cause bleeding, the virus cannot enter the body, so infection generally will not occur.

2. Possible infection

If the dog has an infectious disease, has not been properly vaccinated against rabies, and manages to bite through clothing, breaking the skin and causing bleeding, rabies virus could enter the bloodstream through the wound and cause infection. Immediate medical attention is required. A healthcare professional should clean and disinfect the wound, and the person should receive rabies and/or tetanus vaccines on schedule to reduce the risk of infection.

It is recommended to take proper precautions when interacting with dogs. If bitten, seek prompt medical treatment to prevent adverse effects on health.