How to Recognize the Signs of a Dog Bite Infection

Dog bites are more common than many people realize, affecting millions of Americans each year. While most heal without incident, some can lead to serious infections that require immediate medical attention.

As personal injury lawyers, we’ve seen firsthand how a seemingly minor dog bite can escalate into a significant health issue, often leaving victims with mounting medical bills and lingering trauma.

Recognizing the signs of a dog bite infection early can be crucial for proper treatment and potential legal recourse.

Dog Saliva Bacteria Can Cause Serious Infections

When a dog’s teeth break your skin, they don’t just leave a mark. They introduce a host of bacteria into your body.

These unwelcome guests enter your skin from the dog’s saliva and contain bacterial culprits like:

Pasteurella multocida
Staphylococcus aureus
Capnocytophaga canimorsus

Because bacteria can cause a serious infection, time is not on your side. The longer you wait to treat a bite wound, the higher the chances of infection setting in.

Recognizing Dog Bite Infection Symptoms

Spotting an early infection can save you from dealing with complications later.

We’ve listed below what you should look out for.

Early Warning Signs

In the first day or two after a bite, keep an eye out for:

Redness spreading beyond the bite area.
Swelling that is getting worse, not better.
Increased pain or tenderness, especially if it’s getting more intense over time.
A feeling of warmth around the bite site.

If you notice these signs, it’s time to get medical attention.

Advanced Symptoms

As an infection progresses, you might see:

Pus or other discharge oozing from the wound.
Fever and chills – your body’s way of fighting the infection.
Swollen lymph nodes, especially near the bite area.

These symptoms of infection indicate that it’s taking hold and requires prompt medical attention.

Systemic Infection: When It Gets Serious

Sometimes, the infection can spread beyond the bite area and affect your entire body.

So watch for:

Difficulty moving the part of your body where the bite occurred.
Unusual fatigue or weakness.
Nausea or vomiting.

These signs show systemic infection, which is a medical emergency. Don’t wait – seek immediate care.

High-Risk Areas for Dog Bite Infections

Not all dog bites are created equal when it comes to risk of infection. Certain areas of your body are more prone to complications.

Hands and Fingers: These areas contain small bones, joints, and tendons. A bite here can quickly introduce bacteria deep into these structures, making infections hard to treat.
Face and Neck: Bites to the upper portion of your body can also lead to severe infections due to their proximity to your eyes, nose, and mouth.

They have a rich blood supply, which can help spread infection quickly. Plus, they’re harder to keep clean and immobilized during healing.

When to See the Doctor After a Dog Bite

Some situations warrant immediate medical attention:

Signs of severe infection: Rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, or fever.
Potential rabies exposure: If the dog’s vaccination status is unknown or if it was a stray.
Tetanus risk: If your last tetanus shot was over five years ago.

Certain groups should be extra cautious:

Children: Immune systems are still developing.
Elderly individuals: May have slower healing responses.
People with compromised immune systems: More susceptible to severe infections.

Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to animal bites.

What to Expect at the Doctor’s Office

The following steps usually occur when you seek medical care for a dog bite.

Wound assessment: The doctor will thoroughly examine the bite, checking its depth and location.
Cleaning: The wound will be cleaned meticulously to remove bacteria and debris.
Antibiotics: Depending on the severity, you might receive oral antibiotics or, in serious cases, intravenous ones.
Possible surgical intervention: Deep or severely infected wounds may require surgical cleaning or repair.
Follow-up care: You’ll likely need to return for check-ups to ensure proper healing.

Doctors tailor the medical treatment to your specific situation, considering factors like the bite’s location, overall health, and any infection.

Complications of Untreated Infections

Ignoring a dog bite infection often leads to serious health issues.

Cellulitis and Soft Tissue Infections: Causes painful swelling and redness that spread beyond the original bite area.
Sepsis: A life-threatening condition where the infection enters the bloodstream, potentially causing organ failure.
Osteomyelitis: In severe cases, the infection can reach the bone, leading to long-term complications.
Long-term Health Issues: Untreated infections can result in chronic pain, reduced mobility, or even amputation in extreme cases.

These potential complications underscore the importance of prompt and proper treatment for dog bites.

Rabies Remains a Serious Concern in Dog Bites

While rare in the United States, rabies remains a concern with animal bites.

This viral disease affects the nervous system and is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.

Key points to remember:

Animals transmit rabies through infected saliva.
Symptoms may not appear for weeks or even months after the bite.
Once symptoms appear, rabies is typically fatal.

If there’s any chance the biting dog might have rabies, seek medical attention immediately. You may need to start a series of rabies shots as a preventive measure.

Legal Considerations in California

Knowing your legal rights after a dog bites you in California is important.

State Strict Liability Law

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 3342, dog owners are generally liable for damages caused by their dog biting someone, regardless of the dog’s previous behavior or the owner’s knowledge of such behavior.

Documenting the Incident

Keep detailed records of the bite, including photos, medical reports, and any communication with the dog owner or witnesses.

When to Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer

If you’re facing significant medical bills, lost wages, or long-term complications from a dog bite, it may be time to speak with an attorney.

Potential Compensation

You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the bite.

An experienced dog bite attorney can help you face these legal waters and ensure you receive a fair settlement or award for your injuries.

What to Do if You’ve Been Bitten by a Dog

Again, time is of the essence when facing a dog bite.

Here’s a quick action plan you should follow:

Clean the wound with soap and water immediately.
Assess the severity of the bite.
Seek medical attention, especially if the bite is deep or gaping, you notice it’s becoming infected, or the dog’s vaccination status is unknown.
Document the incident.
Follow up with your doctor immediately.
Consider consulting with a personal injury attorney if you’ve suffered significant harm.

Remember, your health and well-being are most important. Don’t hesitate to seek help when you need it.

At LA Dog Bite Law, we offer legal guidance and support to animal attack victims in Southern California and nationwide.

Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your case, understand your rights, and explore your compensation options.