If a dog attacks you, your initial concern must be treating your wounds. After all, sharp canine teeth can cause catastrophic damage to soft tissues, nerves and ligaments. If your bite is a minor one, though, you may be able to care for your injuries without professional intervention.
Whether you have a minor or severe bite, you have some risk of developing a potentially life-threatening infection. Indeed, according to the American Kennel Club, dogs have more than 600 different types of bacteria in their mouths. Therefore, you should know how to identify an infected dog bite.
Symptoms of an infected bite wound
It is normal for a bite wound to be painful and swollen, at least in the immediate aftermath of an attack. If your wound has any of the following features, though, you might have an infection:
- Discharge, such as pus of other fluids
- Blisters or swelling
- Fever or chills
- Nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite
- Muscle or joint pain
- Discoloration
Dangers of an infected bite wound
During your recovery, it is critical to monitor your bite wound for changes. If you notice any, you should seek emergency medical care. Remember, foregoing medical care can lead to extreme consequences, such as sepsis, septic shock, amputation or even death.
Doctors typically have a variety of ways to treat infected bite wounds, provided you bring the matter to their attention promptly. Ultimately, even though diagnosing and treating an infected dog bite can be expensive, you may be eligible for significant financial compensation.
