Even the cuddliest, gentlest, and sweetest dogs can bite if provoked, frightened or overexcited. Therefore, regardless of the breed or size, a dog can attack and bite you. Unfortunately, a dog bite can cause serious and permanent injuries that may limit your ability to work. In addition, a dog bite may put you at risk of developing an infection.
Generally, infection after a dog bite will occur when germs, bacteria or diseases enter your body through the open skin. However, sometimes, a dog bite wound may get infected if left untreated.
Signs of a dog bite infection
Just like most mammals, dogs have lots of bacteria in their mouths, which means you may be infected if a dog bites you and injects pathogens into your skin. Some of the common signs of an infection include:
- Swelling and warmth at the injury site
- Red streaks on your skin around the wound site
- White, green or pink puss
- Pain that increases over time
- Fever, chills and difficulty breathing
If you notice any of these signs of infection after a dog bite, ensure you seek medical attention. An infected dog bite can be life-threatening. Remember, even when these symptoms don’t show, it’s vital that you visit a physician since some infected dog bite wounds may have delayed symptoms.
Common infections from dog bites
While most dog bite injuries are minor, the bacteria and viruses in the dog’s mouth can sometimes cause serious infections. Some of the notable infections from dog bites include:
- Rabies
- Capnocytophaga
- Tetanus
- Staphylococcus
- Pasteurella
All dog bite wounds should be taken seriously. Therefore, if you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog and you suspect the wound is infected, seek medical attention immediately.
Because a dog bite may leave you with disfiguring scars, painful injuries and steep medical bills, consider seeking financial compensation for your damages.