Can Dogs' Paws Carry Viruses? A Quick Guide

Section 1: How Long Can Viruses Survive on a Dog's Paws?

Even if a dog's paws accidentally come into contact with a virus, the virus's ability to survive outside the body is relatively weak. Typically, the virus can only survive on a dog's paws for a few minutes before losing its vitality and eventually dying. Moreover, if a dog carrying the rabies virus has not licked its paws before scratching someone, its paws generally won't carry the virus, and thus, the person will not be infected. However, if you are unlucky enough to be severely scratched by a dog, it's crucial to promptly squeeze out the blood from the wound and clean and disinfect the area as soon as possible.

Section 2: What to Do If You're Bitten by a Dog

In the event of a superficial dog bite with minimal bleeding or no bleeding at all, simply washing the wound with soap and water followed by an iodine disinfectant should suffice. After such treatment, complications are usually rare. However, if the bite is deeper and there is significant bleeding, it's advisable to stop the bleeding by pressing on the wound after cleaning it, and then seek medical attention promptly for antiseptic and止血 treatment. It's also wise to get the rabies vaccine to prevent anaerobic infections.

Section 3: Is It Necessary to Get Vaccinated After Being Bitten by a Dog?

It's best to receive the rabies vaccine if the bite is severe. If the wound is visibly bleeding or causes pain when alcohol is used for disinfection, it indicates a more serious injury. To be on the safe side, it's important to get the vaccine promptly. Since the rabies virus cannot penetrate intact skin, these signs suggest the skin's integrity has been compromised, making it advisable to get vaccinated immediately. Additionally, if the wound is on an arm or face, an injection of rabies immune globulin is recommended.

Dr. Oxygen Pet introduces the proper procedures for dealing with dog bites. It's recommended that pet owners, during the daily care of their dogs, focus on nurturing a gentle temperament in their pets. Pay close attention to your dog's demeanor and behavior during interactions to avoid any potential harm.