My dog fought a raccoon and has paw scratches. Should I be worried?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If Teddy is current on his rabies vaccine, there is almost no concern in that department. If he is not up to date, you’ll need to call your vet because state laws vary on what has to happen next. I would warn first, that it may become infected and he may need an antibiotic so watch for swelling, redness, oozing, or excessive pain at the site. That being said, if that doesn’t seem to be happening yet, that’s a great sign. Next, I would recommend cleaning the wound as thoroughly as you can with dilute betadine or hydrogen peroxide. Then he needs an E-collar ASAP (most pet stores carry them) to prevent the licking so he doesn’t get it infected and lets it heal. If he cannot get to it, feel free to apply a triple antibiotic ointment like Neosporin. Repeat the cleaning and the Neosporin once daily until healed. If at any time the wound looks weird to you or Teddy is acting differently (lethargic, not eating, etc) take him to the vet right away. Side note: if he doesn’t already get regular flea/tick treatment, I’d get some because raccoons can carry fleas. Best wishes to you and Teddy!

Hello. I am so sorry for Minkah's run-in with the other cat. You are right on target watching for any redness, swelling or discharge from the scratches that might indicate some infection. You might just lightly dab the scratches with a little peroxide just to keep things clean. It is very unlikely that you have to worry about anything significant, especially rabies, since this was just a scratch & the other cat is primarily an indoor cat. So, if the scratches begin to look worrisome, or Minkah acts painful or uncomfortable ( which is pretty unlikely ), do contact your veterinarian for further treatment. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

If your dog is vaccinated against rabies, you do not have to worry about rabies. Dogs can eat stinky things without getting ill. Sometimes they get a tummy ache. If he starts vomiting or gets diarrhea, you can withdraw all food for 12 hours, then put Minho on bland food for a day or two, such as boiled white rice and boiled white boneless chicken meat, fed in small quantities over several feeds and then transition back to his regular food slowly over a few days. If this does not clear up the diarrhea or if the vomiting increases, or if he gets lethargic, he needs to see a veterinarian for an exam as there may be something more serious such as an infection going on.

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking (if any). Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Again, I don't think you need to be worried about this. What are you worried about? Rabies? Skin infection? Just clean the scratches with antiseptic cleaner. If you want to post again and be more specific about what you are worried about her catching then we can maybe be more helpful. Also, some photos of the scratches would be helpful as well.

Depending on the severity of the scratch (feel free to post a picture of it) Lily should be checked by your veterinarian. Antibiotics may be needed but extra vaccination shots are not. Disinfection can eventually be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any scratching (if any). Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

If the scars appear to be from old wounds and don't seem to bother him, then there is probably no need to treat them with anything :) But if you're concerned, you could certainly ask your vet to take a look at them to make sure.