Can you tell if you've been scratched by a dog?
Disease description:
I was accidentally scratched by my own pet dog on the arm while walking the dog. The wound shows slight bleeding and swelling. I am concerned whether I need to receive a rabies vaccination and unsure if there are any obvious symptoms after being scratched by a dog that could help in determining the need for vaccination.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Lei
After being scratched by a dog, there are usually visible marks on the skin. The appearance of scratches may vary depending on the intensity of the scratching and the skin's reaction. Mild scratches may present as fine surface scratches or red marks on the skin, accompanied by slight pain and swelling. More severe scratches can lead to skin damage, bleeding, or even injury to deeper tissues. These marks will persist for a period of time after the injury until the wound heals and recovers.
Once a dog scratch occurs, the wound should be washed immediately. Thoroughly rinse the wound with soap and running water for at least 15 minutes, then disinfect with iodine or alcohol. Seek medical attention promptly, especially if the wound is deep, shows clear signs of infection, or if the dog exhibits suspected symptoms of rabies. The doctor will evaluate whether rabies vaccination is necessary based on the wound's condition and the dog's status. Generally, the risk is lower if the dog is a household pet with complete vaccination records. However, the risk is higher if the dog is a stray or its vaccination status is unknown. Additionally, observing the dog's behavior is also important. If the dog shows any abnormal behavior within the following ten days, report it to the health authorities immediately.
