Is there any problem if I was bitten by a dog but my skin wasn’t broken and there’s no bleeding?

Mar 31, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Today, I was accidentally bitten by a dog. There’s no bleeding or broken skin—could there be any problems?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Huang Wenxiang
In general, if a person is bitten by a dog but shows no broken skin or bleeding, this constitutes Category I exposure, which carries no risk. Since the skin remains intact, rabies virus cannot enter the body; therefore, the likelihood of rabies infection is extremely low, and rabies vaccination is not required. However, after a dog bite, it may sometimes be unclear whether skin breakage has occurred. In such cases, it is recommended to apply alcohol or iodophor to the area: if no pain is felt upon application, skin breakage can be ruled out.