A dog bite can be more than a painful and frightening experience—it can also lead to serious medical complications, including rabies or other infections. If you or a loved one has recently been bitten by a dog, it is important to seek medical attention immediately, even if the wound seems minor. The risk of infection should never be underestimated.
Rabies is a rare but deadly virus that affects the nervous system. While the vast majority of dogs in the United States are vaccinated, not all pet owners follow through on this responsibility. If the dog that bit you was acting strangely or if its vaccination history is unknown, your doctor may recommend a series of post-exposure rabies shots as a precaution. Once symptoms of rabies begin to show, the disease is almost always fatal, which is why timely treatment is so important.
In addition to rabies, dog bites can introduce harmful bacteria deep into the skin. A dog’s mouth contains many bacteria, and even small puncture wounds can trap these bacteria under the skin, leading to infections such as cellulitis or abscesses. Signs of infection can appear quickly and may include redness, swelling, pus, warmth around the wound and/or fever. Infections that are not properly treated can spread to the bloodstream and cause serious complications.
People with weakened immune systems, children and the elderly are especially vulnerable to infection. In some cases, a dog bite can even lead to long-term health issues or require surgery to repair damaged tissue.
Seeking justice for any harm you’ve suffered
Reporting your bite to local animal control is important. Authorities can help confirm whether the dog is up to date on its rabies shots and may monitor the animal if needed. This can help you to make informed decisions and can potentially help to safeguard the broader community if the animal remains a danger to others.
Additionally, if you are considering filing a personal injury claim after a dog bite, an attorney can help you explore your legal options. Property owners and dog owners are often liable when their pets injure others, particularly if the dog was not leashed, properly restrained or had a history of aggression.
