Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Worried about unnoticed dog bite
Hello Doctor,
I go for daily walks. One day, I started from my home as usual and reached halfway when a stray dog passed very close to me. I didn’t feel anything unusual at that time, but suddenly a thought came to my mind: "What if the dog bit or scratched me without me noticing? Can I get rabies from this?"
Due to this anxiety, I turned back and walked home. On the way back, I again passed by some stray dogs. When I reached home, I checked my body — there were no wounds, scratches, or bite marks.
However, this thought has been troubling me for the last 2 weeks. I keep overthinking whether something happened and I missed it. I feel scared and mentally disturbed, constantly checking if a dog really bit me or not.
Please advise if any action or treatment is needed, or if this is just anxiety. Thank you.
Answers (11)
Get your queries answered instantly with Care AI FREE
20000+ health queries resolved in last month
It seems to be an acute form of IAD which is a type of an anxiety disorder.
It is leading to OCD-like symptoms, which needs to be addressed asap otherwise it may get complicated.
It can be well treated with counseling sessions and homeopathic medicine effectively and without any side effects.
It needs to be addressed in a holistic approach for complete recovery.
You need an expert Psychologist who is a good homeopathic physician.
Next Steps
I have been working as a Homeopathic Psychiatrist and Counseling psychologist for the last 17 years. You can contact me through an online appointment for further assistance.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced doctor online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
+173
Hi,
What you're experiencing appears to be related to anxiety and obsessive thoughts about the possibility of having been bitten by the dog, even though there are no physical signs or wounds. This type of persistent worry and compulsive checking can be a form of anxiety or obsessive-compulsive tendencies. It's understandable to feel disturbed, but it's important to recognize that if there are no wounds or bites, the risk of rabies is extremely low. To help manage these feelings, try to remind yourself of the facts and avoid excessive checking. If these thoughts continue to trouble you or interfere with your daily life, consider consulting a mental health professional who can provide support, reassurance, and appropriate strategies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, to help reduce anxiety and obsessive thoughts. Remember, seeking help is a positive step towards feeling more at ease.
Next Steps
Connect
Health Tips
Seek help
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hi,It seems you are over thinking.People who have generalized anxiety can be overthinkers.Consult a psychologist.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hi,
I understand how distressing this must feel, your mind is stuck in a loop of “what if,” even though there’s no sign of an actual bite or injury.
From what you’ve described, this sounds more like health anxiety or intrusive thoughts.
Since you found no bite, no scratch, no wound, the risk of rabies is extremely unlikely. But your brain is reacting to fear as if something did happen.
This kind of overchecking and constant doubt is common in anxiety, especially when your mind is trying to feel “100% sure.” Instead of checking again, gently remind yourself: “I already checked, and I’m safe.”
Health Tips
Practice grounding techniques like deep breathing, remind yourself “I checked and I’m safe,” limit repeated body checks, and gently shift your focus to calming activities when anxious thoughts arise.
Answered
Flag this answer
3/3 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Kindly consult psychotherapist
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Many people experience similar intrusive thoughts, especially when feeling anxious. Since you found no scratch or bite, and you didn’t feel anything at the time, any physical threat is extremely unlikely. And moreover assuming a few weeks have passed.
What you’re describing sounds more like health-related anxiety or obsessive thoughts. It might help to speak with a psychologist, who can guide you through managing this pattern of overthinking. If it continues to affect your peace of mind, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional. You’ve taken the right step by asking.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hi
This sounds like health anxiety or OCD focused on rabies. Since there’s no bite, scratch, or wound, there’s no medical risk of rabies.
What you’re experiencing is anxiety-driven doubt — not reality. Avoid checking your body repeatedly and seek CBT therapy to break this thought loop. No treatment is needed for rabies, but therapy can help your mind feel safe again.
Take therapy. You can connect with me on nine two six six seven two six zero six five.
Next Steps
Before it turns worse take therapy
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Ms. Rizwana Parvin T M
Counselling Psychologist
7 yrs exp
Coimbatore
It's an irrational thought followed with fear...consult a psychologist to understand your problem and get relieved out of it.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Ms. Tanya Lakhotra
Psychologist
3 yrs exp
Pune
The intense fear and constant checking you’re experiencing seem to be signs of health anxiety or obsessive thinking. It’s your mind trying to find certainty in an uncertain situation, which is mentally exhausting.
You’re not alone many people develop such anxieties after hearing about diseases or reading stories online. The best step i would recommend is to consult with me i can help you break this cycle of overthinking through therapy, especially something like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).
You’ve already taken the right first step by acknowledging your thoughts and seeking clarity. You’re not in danger from rabies in this case, but your peace of mind deserves care and support.
Next Steps
Book a session with me
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Ms. Smriti
Counselling Psychologist
18 yrs exp
Bangalore
Connect with psychiatrist
Next Steps
connect
Health Tips
consult
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Ms. Farheen Moulana
Counselling Psychologist
4 yrs exp
Bangalore
Hello,
Thanks for sharing and reaching out for help. The patterns that you are facing right now are intrusive thoughts along with anxiety, followed by repetitive checking and over thinking is an hallmark of a OCD and GAD. The key thing to understand is that your anxiety is latching out to a very unlikely scenario which has arisen from your overthinking and rumination. And in your own words you did not find any wounds, bites or scratch marks it implies that your current distress is rooted in your own anxiety rather than any physical injury. It would be really beneficial if you would
1. validate your feelings,
2. Break the cycle of checking,
3. Practice mindful distractions and
4. Consider professional help
Please consider connecting to get the required support and strategies you need in a structured way for your health concerns.
Answered
Flag this answer
2/2 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Articles you may like
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
The question asked on this page is a free question. You can ask a free health question by downloading the Practo app.
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
Tell us what's troubling you
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.