Most people are aware that dog bites can cause painful lacerations and lead to serious injuries from open wounds. However, there are other risks associated with dog bites, including a very high possibility of developing an infection. There are various potential risks present even in dogs that spend most of their time indoors. Consider the types of infections caused by dog bites, and then speak to a San Diego dog bite lawyer.
Rabies from a Dog Bite
Rabies is a highly dangerous viral infection that can be transmitted from one host to another through a scratch or bite. This virus spreads to the nervous system and creates a fatal level of inflammation around the brain and spinal cord. Rabies is life-threatening to anyone. If you have any of the following symptoms after a dog bite, seek immediate medical care:
- Anxiety
- Nausea and vomiting
- Insomnia
- Hyperactivity
- Hallucinations
- Confusion
- Anxiety
Data from the World Health Organization indicates that immediate medical care after a dog bite or scratch is essential to avoid this risk. While most household pets receive rabies vaccinations to prevent these illnesses from occurring, you cannot be certain that someone else’s dog is safe.
Staph and Strep Infections from a Dog Bite
Some dog bites and deep scratches can transfer staph and strep infections to a person. These are both serious infections that pose a significant risk of illness. Both Staphylococcus and Streptococcus bacteria can spread from a dog that has it to a person, leading to a rapidly spreading condition. Seek immediate medical care if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Oozing blisters
- Boils
- Joint swelling
- Overall feeling of being unwell
Immediate medical care after a dog bite minimizes these risks by
Immediate medical care after a dog bite minimizes these risks through proper cleansing and protective measures. If you experience these symptoms and do not take immediate action, go to the emergency room. These are life-threatening conditions when left untreated.
Cellulitis from a Dog Bite
Another type of infection from a dog bite is from the bacteria Pasteurella multocida or Pasteurella canis. These organisms live in the mouths of many dogs. When the dog bites you, those small bacteria can enter your skin, where they flourish. They can be passed to humans through a bite or a deep scratch. This can cause cellulitis, a potentially dangerous infection that can spread to tissues throughout the body and lead to serious, life-threatening complications. If you have any of the following symptoms after a dog bite, seek immediate care:
- Redness to the skin that feels warm to the touch
- Swelling in the area
- Tenderness, especially around the bite
- Any discharge from the wound, including pus or fluid
This infection will spread quickly through the tissue. If it gets into the bloodstream, it can be difficult to control. Note that children are specifically at risk for severe complications if conditions are not treated because of how quickly they can spread. Cellulitis can lead to weakness, joint infections, urinary tract infections, skin necrosis, and nerve damage.
What to Do After You Get Medical Care
After a dog bite occurs, get medical care immediately, even if you feel okay. That helps minimize the risk of infections occurring and spreading.
Then, seek immediate support from an attorney. Your dog bite lawyer will fight for you to recover damages after an incident.