Animal attacks such as dog bites can be a life-changing, traumatic event for anyone. Beyond the emotional toll of an attack, it’s important to be aware of the possible physical ramifications, including infections caused by dog bites. Infected animal bites can be prevented by the proper treatment and awareness.
Identifying Infected Bites
If a dog bite pierces a person’s skin, bacteria from the animal’s mouth can get into the body, causing an infection. Therefore, washing the wound thoroughly can remove the bacteria from the body and help prevent infection. If the bacteria stay in the body, they can cause an infection, such as tetanus, rabies, or sepsis.
The common symptoms of a dog bite infection can include:
- Swelling and redness around the wound.
- Pain that lasts longer than 24 hours.
- Drainage from the wound.
- Difficulty moving the affected part of the body.
- Warm feeling around the wound.
Signs that the infection may have spread to other parts of the body include:
- Fever
- Shaking
- Night sweats
To help prevent the dog bite from becoming infected, wash/clean the wound as soon as possible. It is best to use soap and warm water to clean the wound thoroughly. After cleaning out the wound, you should apply antibiotic cream and bandage. If the wound is deep and more serious, you should immediately seek medical attention.
Complications
Dog bites on the hands and feet carry the highest risk of infection. Untreated dog bites can lead to significant health problems. Seeking prompt medical attention is key to avoiding any significant complications from the wound. Sepsis, Rabies, and Tetanus can all be caused by a dog bite wound getting infected.
Treatment
It is possible to treat infections caused by dog bites. However, your doctor should assess the situation and examine the wound to look for damage to nerves or bones.
If the person has not had a tetanus vaccine in the last 5 years, they may need one to reduce the risk of tetanus.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, people with dirty wounds should have a booster tetanus vaccine if more than five years have passed since their last shot. For clean wounds, people should have a booster vaccine if it has been more than ten years since their last shot.
In cases of severe or facial wounds, people may need stitches to close the wound. If the person does not know the dog’s rabies vaccination history, they will need a post-exposure rabies vaccine to protect them from rabies.
Representation for Dog Bite Victims
If you have suffered an infection from a dog bite, you need a skilled attorney to fight relentlessly to recover damages.
Maginnis Howard’s personal injury attorneys may be able to help you recover fair compensation. Our lead injury attorney, Shawn Howard, has successfully represented many victims of vicious North Carolina dog attacks and is familiar with the unique psychological impact the attack and the physical scars can leave. We represent clients across the Carolinas from our Raleigh, Charlotte, and Fayetteville offices. Contact us today for a free consultation.
