Last Updated on October 21, 2024 by Dogs Vets
Dog bites usually seem like harmless injuries, especially when it’s a small dog. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. When a dog bites you, the bacteria from their mouth can enter your body through the wound, thereby putting you at risk for several infections.
Considering how serious this is, you should not hesitate reaching out to attorneys for dog bite injury cases to take legal action against the dog owner who let their dog off the leash.
The Infections You Can Get From a Dog Bite
These are the infections one bite from a dog can leave you with:
Pasteurella Multocida Infection
Dogs can carry Pasteurella Multocida in their mouths. If a dog bites you and breaks your skin, you could get an infection. You might notice redness, swelling, and pain around the bite within 24 hours.
About half of people who get bitten by dogs develop infections from Pasteurella. If left untreated, this infection can spread and cause more serious problems.
If you notice any unusual swelling or pain, see a doctor right away. They can give you antibiotics to treat the infection, and sometimes you might need surgery.
Staphylococcus Aureus
Staphylococcus aureus is another bacterium that dogs can carry. This bacterium can cause skin infections, pneumonia, or even worse, serious infections in your whole body.
If a dog bites you, this bacterium can enter your bloodstream and cause problems. You might get a fever, chills, and pain. In very bad cases, Staphylococcus aureus can lead to sepsis, which is a medical emergency.
Luckily, most infections can be treated with antibiotics, which a doctor will prescribe.
Capnocytophaga Canimorsus
Some dogs can carry a bacteria called Capnocytophaga canimorsus in their mouths. This bacterium can cause serious infections in people, especially if you have a weak immune system.
You might not feel sick right away after a dog bite. The symptoms can take a few days to appear. You might get a fever, chills, or feel confused. In really bad cases, you could even have organ failure.
About 3% of people who get bitten by dogs get sick from this bacterium.
Tetanus
Tetanus is another thing to worry about, especially if the dog bite is deep. The bacteria that cause tetanus can be found in dirt and animal poop.
If you get this bacterium through a bite, it can cause your muscles to stiffen and spasm, starting in your jaw. Thankfully, you only need a tetanus vaccine shot to eliminate the possibility of this happening.
Rabies
Rabies is less common now because of vaccines, but it’s still a big problem if you get bitten by a dog. Rabies is a virus that can cause serious problems with your brain and nervous system. If you don’t get treatment, it can be fatal.
The virus can be spread through the saliva of an infected animal. If you’re bitten by a sick or unvaccinated dog, see a doctor right away. There’s a treatment called PEP that can save your life if you get it quickly.
Fungal Infections
You might not think about fungi when you think of dog bites, but they can be a problem too. Fungi like Candida can grow in open wounds, especially if they’re wet or not taken care of properly. You might notice redness, itching, or a rash around the bite.
What to Do If You’ve Been Bitten
Here are some helpful pointers on how you can protect yourself after a dog bites you:
- Even if a dog bite seems small, it’s always a good idea to see a doctor. They can check the wound and decide if you need antibiotics or other treatment.
- If you get bitten, clean the area with soap and water right away. This can help prevent infections.
- Watch the bite carefully. If it gets redder, swells, or you start to feel sick, see a doctor.
- Make sure your tetanus vaccine is up to date, and talk to your doctor about the rabies vaccine if you’re bitten by a dog you don’t know.
- If you live in a vicinity with a lot of dogs, it would do you a great deal of good to simply learn about dogs. If you understand how dogs behave, you’re less likely to get bitten.
