Bitten or Scratched? Vet Forum Moderators Say Take It to a Doctor, Not Reddit

The moderators of r/AskVet, a popular Reddit community for pet health questions, have a request for anyone who has been bitten or scratched by an animal: ask a doctor, not the forum.

In a pinned notice, the mod team said they receive multiple posts every day from people who want to know what to do after an animal injury. Typical questions include whether they need rabies shots or whether a scratch is something to worry about. Each of these posts is off topic, and each one has to be reviewed and removed by hand, which the moderators say creates a steady stream of unnecessary work.

The rule is simple. The subreddit is for veterinary advice about animals, not medical advice about people. Anyone who has been bitten, scratched or otherwise exposed to a wild or stray animal should contact a physician, visit urgent care or go to the emergency room.

For people who still want to ask a question online, the moderators pointed to three other communities: r/AskDocs, r/medical_advice and r/medical. Those forums are set up for human health concerns, though an online post is no substitute for being examined in person.

The notice is a useful reminder for pet owners and animal lovers in general. A vet forum can help you understand why your dog is limping or whether your cat's appetite change is worth a clinic visit. It cannot assess a puncture wound on your hand or judge your rabies risk. Bites and scratches from wildlife and strays deserve prompt attention from a medical professional, because the consequences of waiting can be serious.

If you have been hurt by an animal, clean the wound and get medical care first. Then, if the animal is your pet, bring your vet into the conversation so they can advise on the animal's health and vaccination records.