Even a dog bite that heals properly can be incredibly painful. It can also lead to scarring and disfigurement, depending on where the bite occurs and how severe it is.
But when a dog bite really gets dangerous is when it gets infected. The infection can spread, bringing along with it other symptoms, like chills, fever, nausea, fatigue and much more. That is why it is very important to clean the wound after it happens and to seek appropriate medical attention. But why are dog bites more likely than some other types of wounds to become infected?
They are puncture wounds
The first reason is simply that they are puncture wounds, and these often have a higher likelihood of infection. Any sort of contaminant can get pushed down well below the level of the skin. Washing the dog bite out can be difficult, and many people essentially just end up cleaning the surface, without getting any of the debris or bacteria that are deep within the puncture wound. In some cases, puncture wounds will also bleed less, which means they do not naturally clean themselves.
The next thing to consider is that being bitten by a dog is far from a sterile event. There is no telling what type of bacteria or other contaminants the dog may have had in its mouth at the time. So the odds of encountering these dangerous contaminants are higher, as is the likelihood that they will then become trapped in the puncture wound, leading to infection.
Seeking compensation
An infected dog bite can lead to significant medical bills, lost wages and other such damages. Take the time to look into your options to seek financial compensation.