Anyone who suffers a dog bite should get medical treatment immediately following the incident. Medical experts always advise washing the wounds with soapy water if possible to prevent infection.
Dogs have dangerous bacteria in their mouths. If you are bitten by a dog, you will need to monitor your wounds, even if the teeth did not puncture your skin.
What Types of Infections or Diseases Can Come from Dog Bites?
Dogs may be domesticated, but they can still carry dangerous bacteria in their saliva. If you notice symptoms for any of the following ailments, you should get medical care immediately.
Tetanus
Tetanus isn’t as common but you can get it from a dog bite if you haven’t had a vaccine or booster. You may experience jaw cramping, trouble swallowing, muscle spasms, headaches, fever, and some cardiac symptoms. It can’t hurt to get a tetanus booster following a bite if you can’t remember the last time you had this shot.
Rabies
Rabies can make dogs more aggressive. What makes it dangerous is the incubation period. During this time, there may be no other symptoms. Once an animal or a human begins showing the signs of rabies, there is not much that can be done. It’s a fatal disease. However, if you get medical treatment immediately following a bite, you can get a course of shots that can help prevent this deadly outcome.
Bacterial Infections
Certain bacteria strains such as streptococcus and staphylococcus, are common after getting bitten by a dog. Watch the wound area for redness, swelling, and pus. If you feel excessive pain or start running a fever, you need to see your doctor.
Serious Injuries That Result from Dog Bites
Dog bites can range in severity depending on numerous factors, but when they are serious, you may have a long road to recovery ahead. In severe cases, you may have deep puncture wounds, torn skin, nerve damage, excessive bleeding, and fractured or crushed bones.
When a dog causes these serious injuries, you may need emergency surgery to prevent a life-threatening situation.
You will most certainly want to have a doctor check out your injuries. The medical records created by getting treatment will also document your injuries, giving you proof that will help you recover compensation from the dog owner.
It is even more essential to keep watch over young dog bite victims. Depending on their age, some children may not be able to properly express any changes to their injuries. You should promptly get them to the hospital and monitor the wound until it is fully healed.
Meeting a new dog is an exciting time for anyone, especially a young child. Yet you want to ensure the interaction remains safe. Teaching your child how to interact with dogs will help ensure an accident does not occur.
Dog bites have the potential to be expensive with the need for hospital stays, X-rays, reconstructive surgeries, prescription medications, and more. If you or a loved one was injured by someone else’s dog, you can seek recovery for your losses. Work with an attorney to make sure you are fairly represented throughout the legal process.