It is crucial to look for signs of infection if you have suffered a dog bite. Because dog bites are puncture wounds, infection is more likely than with other types of injuries. These wounds are notoriously more difficult to clean, and contaminants can get trapped deep under the skin and lead to an infection.
Depending on the severity of the infection, it can make your situation much more serious. You could have increased pain, and you may even feel sick and require hospitalization. In some cases, infections can trigger other issues, such as sepsis. This is a condition that can be fatal, as your body’s immune response begins to attack healthy organs and tissues.
What are some signs of infection?
Because infections are so dangerous, look for some of the common symptoms, such as:
- Increased swelling or tenderness around the bite
- A feeling of warmth and increased pain
- Stiffness in nearby joints
- Drainage of pus or other liquid from the wound
- Red streaks under the skin
If you have a serious infection, your body will often begin trying to fight that infection naturally, which can lead to the onset of things like a high temperature, nausea and vomiting. If you have been bitten by a dog and then you feel ill or sick, the dog bite could be directly responsible.
Seeking financial compensation
An infected dog bite can be painful and may require extensive medical treatment, which is often very expensive. Make sure you know what options you have to seek compensation from the dog’s owner if they negligently allowed the attack to occur.