Even if a dog bite does not get infected, it can have serious ramifications. For instance, children are more likely than adults to have bite injuries to the neck, head or face. These can lead to disfigurement and long-term disabilities. In some cases, the injuries are so severe that they alter the course of the child’s life forever.
That said, some of the most serious cases are the ones in which an infection occurs. Dog bites are especially likely to become infected due to the nature of the wound. A dog bite is typically a puncture wound, and the dog’s teeth can push debris deeper into that wound. Since it is a puncture, it’s harder to clean, the debris becomes trapped and then an infection sets in.
Signs you should look for
It’s important to get medical treatment if you do have an infection, so here are some signs to look for:
- Symptoms of a fever, such as a temperature, the shakes or uncontrolled sweating.
- Changes to the bite wound, such as the discharge of puss or other fluid.
- A growing redness around the injury site, which may reach out as tendrils away from the infected area.
- Increasing pain over time, as the wound becomes more tender.
Essentially, your bite wound should be healing and feeling better over time. If your symptoms are instead getting worse and it appears that the wound is not healing on its own, then it may be time for medical intervention. This can be very expensive, adding to the high costs that you’re facing after being bitten by someone else’s dog. This negligent dog owner may be responsible, so be sure you know about your legal options to seek the compensation you deserve.
