A person who’s bitten by a dog needs to ensure that they get the medical care they need because there is a risk of infection. Bacteria from the dog’s mouth can enter the body through the bites. In some cases, simply washing the bite can remove the bacteria, but there are times when it’s too deep into the body.
Seeking medical care after the bite can help ensure that it has been properly irrigated. You may also be prescribed antibiotics that can keep an infection at bay. One thing that some people don’t realize is that it’s possible for the infection to spread beyond the area of the bite.
Deeper wounds are more likely to become infected than shallow wounds. Because bacteria flourish in dark, damp areas, bite wounds aren’t usually sutured closed unless it’s absolutely necessary to prevent the bite from continuing to bleed uncontrollably.
The location of the bite wound also plays a role in the risk of it becoming infected. Bites that are on the hand or feet have a greater risk of infection than those in other areas.
You should keep an eye out for signs that a bite wound is becoming infected. These signs mean that you need to seek medical care:
- Pain that gets worse or lasts longer than 24 hours
- Redness, swelling and warmth around the wound
- Drainage from the bite
- Problems moving the area of the body where the bite occurred
- Fever, night sweats, shaking
Anyone who’s been bitten by a dog might consider seeking compensation. This is possible if owner negligence contributed to the incident. The civil lawsuit can help you to recover damages for things like medical care and lost wages.