Should I be worried if a vaccinated dog scratched me
Health Risks of a Dog Scratch
Dogs are among the most popular animal companions. In fact, its estimated that dogs live in about
Still, as with having any other pet, its important to be aware of the variety of diseases and health risks that may be transmitted from your canine companion. Some of these health risks may be derived from dog scratches that arise from playing, feeding, and coming into contact with an unknown animal.
Not all dog scratches are serious, but its important to be on the lookout for possible signs of infection, and call a doctor to rule out more serious health consequences.
Read on to learn about possible health risks from dog scratches and how to treat and prevent them.
Daily interactions with your dog including playtime can sometimes result in scratches. These might occur from your dogs nails when they step on you or jump up on you, as well as accidentally scratching you with their teeth while playing fetch or during feedings.
When you get scratched by a dog, you may notice red marks on your skin. These may temporarily become painful and swollen and, in more severe cases, lead to more serious health risks. Possibilities may include:
- excessive bleeding
- infections, such as Capnocytophaga bacteria
- tetanus, which is caused by Clostridium tetani bacteria
- rabies, a serious viral infection
- sepsis, a life-threatening emergency caused by the spread of an infection to vital organs
Any dog scratch including those that seem mild and harmless ought to be treated immediately to prevent infection and other health complications. Consider the following steps:
- First, wash (but dont scrub) the dog scratch wound with warm water and soap. Rinse for at least 5 minutes. Pat dry with a clean towel.
- If the dog scratch is bleeding, apply pressure to the area with a clean gauze pad.
- Apply an over-the-counter (OTC) antibiotic cream or ointment.
- Cover the wound with a sterile bandage.
Some dogs carry a bacteria in their mouths called Capnocytophaga. While these bacteria
Capnocytophaga infections can progress quickly, even becoming life-threatening. Possible symptoms
- swelling
- redness and blisters
- pus from the bite
- fever
- headache
- muscle or joint aches
- abdominal pain
- diarrhea
- vomiting
Call or visit a doctor if youre experiencing any signs of infection post-dog scratch. Its also a good idea to seek medical attention any time youve been scratched by a dog especially if the dog isnt your own.
Rabies is a type of viral infection that can occur when bitten by an animal thats infected. This is a serious infection that can be fatal in both animals and humans, due to the viruss attack on the nervous system.
While animal-to-animal transmission is possible, its not as common for humans to be infected by household pets in the United States. Part of this reduced risk is attributed to rabies vaccines in domesticated animals.
Still, rabies ought to be considered in the case of a serious wound from a dog, particularly if its a stray dog or one who hasnt been vaccinated against rabies. The virus may be transmitted through an infected dogs saliva from biting or accidental scratching.
How a dog with rabies may behave
A dog who is infected with rabies may have
- behavioral changes
- reduced appetite
- voice changes/changes to their barks
- panting
- anxiety and restlessness
- attempted attacks on people and other animals
- paralysis
What to do if you suspect youve been bitted by a dog with rabies
If youve been bitten or scratched by a dog with an unknown rabies vaccination status, call a doctor. They may recommend treatment with rabies vaccines as well as antibodies.
Humans (with the exception of veterinarians and other professionals who handle animals) dont typically get the rabies vaccine unless theyve been exposed to the virus from an infected animal.
Symptoms of a rabies infection
Symptoms of rabies are slow to develop,
Possible signs of rabies in humans may include:
- fatigue
- fever
- headache
- weakness
- anxiety
- hallucinations, and other neurological changes
While its not always possible to avoid all cases of dog scratches, you may help minimize your risk of getting sick by:
- washing your hands after playing with and feeding your dog
- carefully washing scratches that do occur
- bandaging dog scratches and any subsequent open wounds
- keeping your dog up-to-date on their vaccines
- avoiding contact with other dogs that may be feral or unvaccinated
- walking your dog on a leash to prevent exposure to wild animals
- asking your doctor if youre up to date on your vaccines
Also, if you have your own dog, you may help reduce the risk of scratches from toenails and bites by training your dog not to jump up on you, and to use their mouths softly during playtime and feedings.
Getting scratched by your dog can happen, especially during feeding and playtime. While you can train your dog to be more gentle, occasional scratches are still inevitable. Your risk may also be greater when coming into contact with a wild dog, or a domesticated one whos not your own.
Washing a dog scratch wound is critical in preventing infections. Depending on the severity of the wound, you may consider calling your doctor regarding next steps.
Seek medical care if youre injured by a dog who isnt yours, if youve been bitten, are bleeding excessively, or are experiencing flu-like symptoms.
My Cat Scratched Me, Should I Be Worried?
Its not uncommon to get an occasional scratch when you play with your cat. However, its important to take care of your wound and monitor it carefully for complications.
Not all cat scratches are dangerous, but certain circumstances may increase your risk of developing certain diseases and other health risks.
Read on to learn more about some of the possible dangers associated with cat scratches, and whether you need to seek medical attention.
Even during seemingly harmless play with your feline companion, occasional cat scratches are inevitable. Johns Hopkins Medicine says that kittens under 1 year old are even more prone to scratching you may notice more incidents during play and laptime snuggles as your younger cat is getting used to their movements.
Regardless of age, cat scratches can mean more than just pain and temporary red or discolored marks. These wounds can sometimes sting, bleed, and even become infected.
Both feral and domesticated cats may also transmit certain viruses and bacteria when they scratch human skin. Some of the possible health complications include:
First, you should always wash any cat scratch with soap and warm water. Follow this rule for all scratches, even if its your own cat. Pat the area of skin dry with a clean towel.
If your scratch is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean gauze pad. You may also choose to apply a small amount of over-the-counter antibiotic ointment before covering with a sterile bandage.
Monitor the scratch carefully over the next few says for symptoms of infection, such as:
- increased swelling
- pus or drainage
- red or discolored streaks emitting from the original scratch
- flu-like symptoms, including fever, headache, and chills
Call a doctor if youre experiencing any of the above symptoms. You should also seek treatment if youve recently been scratched, bitten, or have had an open wound licked by a cat that isnt your own.
Treating eye scratches
Sometimes a cat may accidentally scratch your face, including your eye area. If this happens, you should immediately rinse out the affected eye with either clean water or saline solution. Be careful not to rub your eyes in case theres any object stuck, such as particles from your cats claws.
Next, you should call your doctor so they can thoroughly examine your eye for possible damage. They may also prescribe medications if your eye scratch becomes infected.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology says that eye scratches tend to heal quickly. However, if left untreated, they may cause:
Cat-scratch fever refers to a bacterial infection caused by Bartonella henselae. Felines may carry the bacterium in their saliva. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that up to
Originally, cats may get this bacterium from fleas. Cats can spread the bacterium to each other during cat fights. Then, the bacterium may then be transmitted to humans via the affected cat scratching, biting, or licking an open wound.
Symptoms of cat-scratch fever
If you have cat-scratch fever, the
- scratches or bites that increasingly become redder or discolored and more swollen
- fever, aches, and other flu-like symptoms
- body rashes
- swollen lymph nodes
- excessive fatigue and weakness
Treatment for cat-scratch fever
Cat-scratch fever may be treated with antibiotics as well as at-home wound care to help clear up your symptoms and prevent possible complications.
It is important to know that some of the symptoms of cat-scratch fever are similar to those caused by other infections. This includes tetanus, which is caused by the Clostridium tetani bacterium.
Its important to call a doctor if youre presenting with any symptoms of an infection so you may be treated properly. Your risk for developing cat-scratch fever may also be higher if youve been around a cat infested with fleas.
The
- brain injury
- other internal organ damage
- bacillary angiomatosis, a progressive skin disorder that causes red or discolored, raised lesions that have scaly outer rings
- red, irritated eyes along with flu-like symptoms
Rabies is a serious viral infection that develops as a result of being bitten by an infected animal. While not common in domesticated cats in the United States, cases of
An infected cat may present sudden behavioral changes, including unusual aggression. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, loss of muscle control, and paralysis.
Rabid cats are more likely to transmit the virus to humans through their saliva via biting. However, theres still a lesser possibility that an infected cat can transmit the virus through scratches. Initial symptoms in humans mimic those of the flu, and these may develop up to weeks or months later, according to the
If you suspect that youve had any interactions with a rabid cat, you should seek emergency treatment even if this fatal disease hasnt caused any symptoms. Quick care with rabies antibodies and vaccination can help prevent life threatening complications.
You can help minimize health risks from getting cat scratches by:
- washing and caring for any accidental wounds during all types of interactions
- avoiding rough play, particularly with kittens who are more prone to scratching
- keeping your face away from your cat during playtime to prevent eye injuries
- covering any open wounds you have, so that your cat cant lick them
- creating an indoor-only environment for your cat
- taking care with feral cats, or other felines that arent your own
- keeping your cat up to date on their vaccines, such as rabies shots
- staying up to date on your own vaccines, including tetanus boosters
- making sure your cat is adequately treated for fleas, as recommended by your vet
Occasional scratches may seem like a natural part of being a cat lover, but you should always take care to wash any accidental wounds you may get after playing with your fur babies. Since some cases may turn into infections, its important to be aware of suspicious symptoms and to contact a doctor right away.
While it can be difficult to avoid cat scratches entirely when you have a playful feline in your home, there are certain measures you can take to help prevent complications. These include proper cleaning, avoiding feral animals, and keeping up with recommended vaccines.
