Reasons to always have a doctor look at your dog bite

On Behalf of | Jul 12, 2024 | Personal Injury

If a dog has bitten you, seeking medical attention is crucial, even if the wound seems minor. Dog bites can lead to various illnesses and complications that need professional treatment. To protect yourself, it would be best to have a doctor look at your dog bite.

Risk of infection

One of the most common issues with dog bites is the risk of infection. Dogs’ mouths contain bacteria that can cause severe infections if they enter your bloodstream. Common bacteria from dog bites include:

  • Pasteurella – causes pain, redness, and swelling
  • Capnocytophaga – leads to severe infections, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems.

Rabies

Dog bites can transmit a deadly virus known as rabies. Although rabies is rare in domesticated dogs in the United States, it’s still a significant risk. The risk is higher if the dog’s vaccination status is unknown. Early symptoms of rabies include fever and tingling at the bite site. If not treated promptly, it can progress to severe neurological symptoms and death.

Tetanus

Tetanus is another severe illness resulting from a dog bite, mainly if the wound is deep. Tetanus bacteria thrive in low-oxygen environments like deep puncture wounds. They can cause muscle stiffness, lockjaw, and other severe complications. A tetanus shot may be necessary if you haven’t had one in the past ten years.

MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a staph infection resistant to many antibiotics. Dog bites can introduce MRSA into your system, leading to skin infections and, in severe cases, bloodstream infections. MRSA infections require prompt medical treatment due to their resistance to standard antibiotics.

Seek medical attention

Seeking medical attention after a dog bite is essential. Leaving the injury unattended opens you up to serious risks. Properly cleaning and treating the wound, prescribing necessary medications, and providing vaccines to prevent serious health complications are also important. Your health and safety should always be the priority after a dog bite.

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