What to do if you are scratched by a dog? Find Out Here

by

Potential Infections Can Occur from a Dog Scratch

Dogs walk on all four feet and dig in whatever they can find, which means dog nail beds are very dirty. They can harbor all sorts of bacteria and fungi that can readily infect humans through broken skin, including tetanus. Dogs also lick their paws, transferring bacteria from the mouth onto the nails. This can, in rare cases, infect humans with MRSA or bacteria called Capnocytophaga if the scratch breaks the skin.

“Can I get rabies from a dog scratch?” is a popular online search. Even though it is highly unlikely that a human will contract rabies from an animal scratch, it can still happen. The virus that causes rabies is spread through contact with saliva or brain tissue from an animal infected with rabies, but it cannot penetrate unbroken skin. If a rabid dog with saliva-covered nails scratches a human, theoretically infection can occur; however, most dogs are vaccinated against rabies and are not at risk for infection. If your dog has had contact with a rabid animal, take additional precautions and seek veterinary care immediately.

What to Do:

  • If the bite or scratch wound is bleeding, apply pressure to the area with a clean bandage or towel until the bleeding stops. If available, use clean latex or rubber gloves to protect yourself and to prevent the wound from getting infected.
  • If the wound is not bleeding heavily, clean it with soap and water, and hold it under running water for several minutes.
  • Dry the wound, apply antibiotic ointment, and cover it with sterile gauze or a clean cloth.
  • Call your doctor if the bite or scratch broke or punctured the skin, even if the area is small. A child who is bitten by an animal may need antibiotics, a tetanus booster, or rarely, a series of rabies shots. A bite or scratch on a childs face, hand, or foot is particularly at risk for infection and should be checked by your doctor as soon as possible.
  • If your child was bitten or scratched by an unfamiliar or wild animal, note the location of the animal. Some animals may have to be captured, confined, and observed for rabies. But do not try to capture the animal yourself. Instead, call the animal control office or animal warden in your area.
  • Get immediate medical care if:
    • the wound is on the face, neck, hand, foot, or near a joint
    • the wound wont stop bleeding after 10 minutes of direct pressure
    • the wound appears to be deep, large, or severe
    • the attacking animal was stray or wild or behaving strangely
    • the bite or scratch has pus coming from it, or becomes red, hot, swollen, or increasingly painful
    • your child has a weakened immune system or other medical condition that might make an infection more likely
    • your childs tetanus immunizations are not up to date

    • Teach your children to stay away from strange animals, and not to tease or provoke any animals, even family pets. Animals should not be disturbed while they are eating or sleeping.

    If you own a pet, make sure its properly immunized and licensed.

    Pet Wellbeings own Dr. Jan has been in veterinary practice for over 30 years. Since receiving her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, shes founded two veterinary clinics and lectured extensively on pet herbal therapy, nutraceuticals, acupuncture, rehabilitation and pain management. Dr. Jan has studied extensively in both conventional and holistic modalities, helping us to formulate all of our supplements. She is an essential part of Pet Wellbeing. And lucky for us, shes only one of the great team of people who make Pet Wellbeing so special. PREVIOUS POST

    Scratched by a puppy… Watch my hand heal itself! (Non graphic)