Do I need a shot if scratched by a dog?

In general, whether a person needs a rabies vaccine after being scratched by a dog depends on the specific circumstances. If there is no skin breakage at the site of the scratch, vaccination may not be necessary. However, if the dog scratch results in broken skin, bleeding, or other forms of exposure, vaccination is usually recommended. The details are as follows:

If there is no skin breakage, bleeding, or other signs of exposure—meaning only minor scratches or superficial abrasions—the risk of infection is relatively low, and vaccination may not be required. Nevertheless, the wound should still be cleaned thoroughly, and the person should monitor for any signs of infection. Additionally, if the dog is a household pet with a complete and documented history of rabies vaccination and shows no abnormal behavior or symptoms of illness, the risk is considered low, and immediate vaccination may not be necessary.

However, if the scratch results in broken skin or bleeding—especially if the dog has not been vaccinated against rabies or its vaccination status is unknown—it is generally recommended to immediately clean and treat the wound and promptly visit a hospital or disease control center to receive the rabies vaccine.

For safety, regardless of the size of the wound, it is advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible after being scratched by a dog. A healthcare professional can assess the situation and determine whether rabies vaccination is needed. It's also important to remember that the key to preventing rabies lies in timely vaccination and avoiding contact with animals that have not been vaccinated against rabies.