Can I catch something from a scratching dog if I have a red bump?

Question

My friend's dog was constantly scratching and we were in an open public building. I don't know why it was scratching often and I was afraid to ask why, I know they were going to the vet though. But now I'm paranoid that I might of caught something from the dog just by being near it. I did notice that I had one red bump on my arm last night when I came home, but I was wearing a wool sweater. Am I just worrying too much? I have a tendency to overthink things. Pet's info: Dog | Pug | Female | spayed

Linda G, MS, DVM · Accepted Answer

Hello. Most dogs will scratch due to allergies or fleas. It would be very, very unlikely that you picked something up just being near the dog, so yes, you are overthinking things. Fleas are very unlikely to jump on people as they very much prefer our pets. So it is possible that you are having a mild skin reaction to the sweater, or you were bitten by a gnat or something like that. Do see your physician if this turns into a rash or seems to be spreading, but it was not from being in the same room with a dog. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Can I catch something from a scratching dog if I have a red bump?

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