Dog bites can be painful and dangerous on their own. But they are also highly likely to get infected because they are puncture wounds. If the dog has bacteria on its teeth, this bacteria gets pushed deep below the skin and becomes trapped, leading to the infection. It’s very hard to clean puncture wounds to remove bacteria and other debris.
Infections can make the injury vastly worse, and some severe infections could even run the risk of turning into a fatal condition. That’s why it’s so important to identify an infection as soon as it starts so that you can seek proper medical attention.
How is the injury changing?
The key is to consider how the injury is changing in the days following the dog attack or bite incident. If the injury is healing properly, pain and swelling should decrease, even though it may still be tender for a significant amount of time. But it may be infected if:
- The pain becomes worse over time.
- The bite area becomes swollen and inflamed.
- There are red streaks leading away from the bite or general redness around the bite wound.
- If the bite is on a limb, it becomes stiff and difficult to move.
- You develop other symptoms of infection, such as chills or a fever.
- There is some type of discharge from the bite, such as pus or clear fluid.
If you do see these signs, then it is important to consult with a medical professional about the appropriate treatment. If you’re facing significant medical bills, lost wages and much more, be sure you know how to seek compensation from the dog’s owner.
