Dog bites typically cause deep, curved puncture wounds or tears, while scratches appear as linear, shallow scrapes. For both, immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water for 15 minutes to reduce infection risk. Regardless of the difference, you should see a doctor. Both bites and scratches can transmit rabies if the dog's saliva was on its claws. Depending on the dog's vaccination status, a doctor may recommend the Rabies Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) vaccine and a Tetanus toxoid booster if you are not up-to-date. Don't worry; prompt medical care and these vaccines are highly effective at keeping you safe.