An infected dog bite can be very serious. Infections sometimes require medication, hospitalization or even surgery. In severe cases, conditions such as sepsis (a condition where the body overreacts to infection, leading to organ failure) can be fatal.
A dog bite is highly susceptible to infection because it is a puncture wound. Bacteria trapped within the wound may be difficult to clean out, leading to an infection — even if the initial bite did not seem serious.
Signs of infection to look for after a bite
To help determine if a dog bite is infected, here are some common symptoms to watch for:
- The onset of a fever with symptoms like chills, shakes and an elevated temperature
- Increased tenderness and sensitivity around the bite area
- A bite that feels warm to the touch and appears red and swollen
- Red streaks under the skin, moving away from the bite area, which may indicate that the infection has entered the bloodstream
- Discharge from the bite wound, including pus or blood
- A bite that doesn’t heal and seems to get worse
Essentially, if someone is bitten by a dog and their condition deteriorates, with increasing pain and worsening symptoms, they should get immediate medical treatment, even if they already saw a doctor for the bite. Many people consider dog bites to be “minor” injuries, but it is important to take them very seriously.
However, such medical treatment can be very expensive. Those who have suffered dog bites should be aware of all their legal options for seeking financial compensation if the dog’s owner’s negligence allowed the attack to occur.