Should I worry about a dog scratch
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.
Treatment for Dog and Cat Bites and Scratches
Treatment for Dog and Cat Bites and Scratches
How to deal with dog or cat bites and scratches
When your child is bitten or scratched by an animal, be calm and reassure your child that you can help. Your child's healthcare provider will determine specific treatment for an animal bite. Treatment may include:
For shallow bites from a household pet that is immunized and in good health:
Wash the wound with soap and water under pressure from a faucet for at least5 minutes. Dont scrub as this may bruise the tissue. Apply an antiseptic lotion or cream.
Watch for signs of infection. These include fever, increased redness or pain, and swelling, or fluid leaking, or red streaks from the bite. Call your child'shealthcare provider right away if any of these occur.
For deeper bites or puncture wounds from any animal, or for any bite from an unknown animal:
If the bite or scratch is bleeding, apply pressure to it with a clean bandage, cloth, or towel to stop the bleeding. If bleeding doesn't stop after 15 minutes of pressure, call your healthcare provider.
Wash the wound with soap and water under pressure from a faucet for at least5 minutes. Dont scrub as this may bruise the tissue.
Dry the wound and cover it with a sterile dressing. Dont use tape or butterfly bandages to close the wound. This could trap harmful bacteria in the wound.
Call your child's healthcare provider for help in reporting the attack and to decide if more treatment is needed. This may include antibiotics, a tetanus booster, rabies vaccine, or repair of the wound with stitches. This is very important for bites on the face or for bites that cause deeper skin puncture wounds. It is important to tell your child's healthcare provider about all cat bites, especially around the hands and wrist. These injuries are known for often causing infection.
If possible, find the animal that caused the wound. Some animals need to be captured, confined, and closely watched for rabies. Dont try to capture the animal yourself. Instead, contact the nearest animal warden or animal control office in your area.
If the animal can't be found oris a high-risk species (raccoon, skunk, or bat), or the animal attack was unprovoked, your child may need a series of rabies shots.
Call your child'shealthcare provider for any flu-like symptoms after an animal bite. These symptoms may include fever, headache, ill feeling, loss of appetite, or swollen glands.
Why Dogs Scratch Their Bellies with Their Hind Legs (and When You Should Worry)
Common Reasons Dogs Scratch Their Bellies
Its not uncommon for dogs to scratch their bellies using their hind legs. There are several potential causes for this behavior:
Fleas or allergies causing itching on the belly Flea bites or allergic reactions to food or environmental allergens can cause severe itchiness on a dogs belly and lead to excessive scratching.
Attention seeking behavior Some dogs learn that scratching their bellies gets them attention from their owners. The extra belly rubs reinforce this behavior.
Medical conditions like infections or parasites Bacterial or yeast infections on the skin, as well as parasites like mites or worms, can lead to itchy irritation that prompts scratching the belly area.
When Scratching Becomes Problematic
Excessive scratching can lead to open wounds or infections in the skin that require medical treatment. Scratching that is frequent or intense enough to disrupt normal activities or sleep could also indicate an underlying medical issue that needs veterinary attention.
Some signs of problematic scratching include:
- Scratching that leads to bald patches, sores, or broken skin
- Scratching that seems obsessive or compulsive
- Scratching that occurs throughout the day and night
- Scratching that disrupts sleep or daily routines
- Scratching that leads to excessive licking, biting, or chewing at the skin
Excessive scratching can be caused by conditions like allergies, parasite infestation, infections, or skin disorders. Its important to have your veterinarian examine your dog to identify any underlying problems. Leaving these issues untreated can allow scratching to escalate and lead to more severe skin trauma or secondary infections.
Veterinarians can provide medications or treatments to address itchiness and any medical causes for severe scratching. They can also advise on ways to deter excessive scratching, allow skin to heal, and prevent future problems.
Treating Mild Belly Scratching
For mild cases of belly scratching, there are some simple home remedies and prevention methods you can try before turning to medications or veterinary care.
Make sure to thoroughly bathe your dog with a soothing oatmeal shampoo or other gentle shampoo for dogs. This can help wash away irritants or allergens that may be causing itchiness (AkcPetInsurance). Follow up with a hypoallergenic conditioner.
Regular brushing can also help distribute your dogs natural oils across their fur and skin, which may provide some relief from itchiness. Use a soft bristle brush and brush in the direction of hair growth (TheSprucePets).
Its important to treat your home and yard for fleas as well. Flea bites are a common cause of skin irritation and belly scratching in dogs. Use monthly flea prevention medication and thoroughly clean your home to remove any flea eggs or larvae.
Seeking Veterinary Care
Excessive scratching that results in wounds or skin damage often requires veterinary attention. Signs to watch for that indicate a vet visit is needed include:
- Ongoing scratching that leads to hair loss or red, irritated skin
- Development of hot spots or open sores from scratching
- Bleeding, swelling, or discharge from scratched areas
- Scratching accompanied by biting at the skin
- Scratching that occurs at night or when the dog is alone
Veterinarians can diagnose and treat secondary skin infections that may result from excessive scratching. They can also test for parasites like fleas, mites, or ringworm that could be causing the itching. For dogs with seasonal allergies or food allergies, vets may recommend allergy testing and immunotherapy or diet trials to identify and control the source of itchiness.
Medications like antihistamines, antibiotics, antifungals, or steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to reduce inflammation and itchiness. Identifying and addressing the underlying cause is key to controlling uncomfortable scratching episodes.
According to zoetispetcare.com, when visiting the vet for scratching and itching, they will perform a complete physical exam and take the pets history. They may recommend bloodwork, skin scrapings, skin cytology, and other tests to reach a diagnosis. Treatment often involves medications, baths, supplements, and topicals to soothe the skin while identifying the root cause.
Providing Environmental Enrichment
Environmental enrichment is crucial for reducing problematic scratching in dogs. By providing engaging activities and comfortable spaces, dogs will be less inclined to scratch out of boredom or discomfort.
Make sure your dog gets regular exercise and playtime. Take them on walks, play fetch, or engage in training sessions to help burn energy. Mentally stimulating games like hide-and-seek or nosework are also great for an active mind. Tired dogs are less likely to develop problematic scratching habits. Preventive Vet recommends rotating different games and toys to prevent boredom.
Invest in puzzle toys and chews that will keep your dog occupied for hours. Food puzzle toys that require manipulation to access kibble or treats are excellent for mental stimulation. Long-lasting chews made of natural materials can satisfy dogs innate need to chew and scratch. Supervise dogs with destructible enrichments to avoid ingestion of loose pieces.
Ensure your dog has comfortable bedding to relax in. Wash bedcovers frequently and replace worn beds to prevent skin irritation or discomfort that may worsen scratching. Place beds in quiet areas of the home to give dogs a peaceful retreat.
Training Alternate Behaviors
One of the best ways to reduce problematic belly scratching is to train your dog to exhibit alternate, more desirable behaviors instead. Focusing on teaching your dog to settle down and relax can help reduce anxious energy that may be leading to scratching.
Use treats and praise to reward your dog for laying down in a calm, relaxed manner. You can utilize verbal cues like settle or relax to indicate the behavior you want. Over time, your dog will learn to assume a settled position when given those cues, rather than defaulting to scratching.
Additionally, provide appropriate scratching outlets by offering chew toys or scratch pads when your dog seems inclined to scratch. If you redirect scratching onto acceptable items and reward with treats, your dog will learn that toys are for scratching, not their belly.
Be sure to praise and reward extended calm behavior, not just brief moments. The more you reinforce relaxation and discourage scratching through redirection, the more the scratching impulse should subside. [1]
Understanding the Scratch Reflex
The scratch reflex in dogs is an involuntary response triggered by stimuli on the belly or other sensitive areas of the skin. As described by Wikipedia, The scratch reflex can commonly be triggered through various stimulations such as scratching, brushing, rubbing, or tapping a dog, although some techniques work better than others.1 When a dogs belly is scratched, brushed, or otherwise stimulated, it induces the scratch reflex causing the dogs hind leg to start scratching or kicking against that area of the body.
This scratching motion is an involuntary reflex and not consciously controlled by the dog. According to Hills Pet Nutrition, The scratch reflex is an involuntary response that protects dogs from fleas, ticks and other sources of irritation.2 The scratching action helps dislodge and remove any irritants on the skin. While the dog has no control over the motion, the scratching can provide a pleasurable sensory feeling.
Risks of Excessive Scratching
Excessive scratching in dogs can lead to some serious health risks that every dog owner should be aware of. Two of the most concerning risks are skin trauma, infection, hair loss and self-mutilation.
When a dog scratches excessively it can cause their skin to become irritated, inflamed and even lead to open wounds. These open wounds are susceptible to bacterial and yeast infections. Infections will only worsen itchiness causing more scratching and further skin damage (source).
Constant scratching can also damage the hair follicles leading to hair loss and skin damage. Areas of hair loss from over-scratching are prone to continued irritation because they lack the protection of the dogs coat. This can lead to a self-perpetuating cycle of scratching, hair loss and further irritation (source).
In extreme cases, dogs may scratch so excessively that they cause self-mutilation injuries such as deep lesions, hematomas or damage to their nails and feet pads. This type of serious self-trauma requires immediate veterinary attention (source).
When to Seek Emergency Care
In most cases, minor scratches and bites from dogs can be treated at home with first aid and monitoring. However, there are certain situations where you may need to seek emergency medical care right away.
According to Animal Bites and Scratches (for Parents), uncontrolled bleeding from wounds caused by dog scratches or bites warrants an immediate trip to the emergency room. Profuse bleeding that cannot be stopped with direct pressure needs medical attention to prevent further blood loss and shock.
The article from Marshfield Clinic also advises seeking emergency care if there are signs of a severe infection from a dog scratch or bite. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, pus, red streaks coming from the wound, fever, chills, and swollen lymph nodes. A severe infection that goes untreated can spread to the bloodstream and other parts of the body, becoming life-threatening.
Other reasons to go to the emergency room include puncture wounds, wounds that may need stitches, and scratches or bites on the face, hands, or genitals. These sensitive areas are at higher risk for infection. Immediate medical treatment can help prevent complications and serious illness.
Providing Gentle Belly Rubs
Giving your dog gentle belly rubs is a great way to show affection while potentially reducing itchiness. Research shows that light massage can activate feel-good chemicals like oxytocin and endorphins in dogs, similiar to what humans experience. This not only makes them feel relaxed and content, but also strengthens the bond between owner and pet.
When petting your dogs belly, use gentle circular motions rather than vigorous scratching. Focus on massaging and lightly rubbing while gauging their reaction some dogs prefer softer touches. Avoid rubbing areas that are irritated or inflamed. Keep sessions brief at first to see if your dog enjoys and relaxes into the belly rubs. The goal is to provide soothing contact that makes them feel cared for.
Petting a dog releases oxytocin in both the pet and the owner. For dogs, oxytocin reduces stress and induces calmness, according to PetMD (source). Belly rubs can be a special way to show your furry friend how much they mean to you.
