Can Dog Bites Cause Infections?
The myth that a dog’s mouth is cleaner than a person’s is not entirely correct. Bacteria do exist and prosper in the mouths of dogs. Dogs consume a broad range of foods, including those that might contain viruses. The bacteria that may live in a dog’s mouth range from streptococcus and staphylococcus to E. coli.
When a dog bites someone, the bacteria in its saliva enters the tissue of the person bitten. While most germs dwelling in a dog’s mouth do not cause illness, some of them might result in serious and even deadly ramifications.
That is why, even if a person’s dog bite wounds do not appear to be severe, they should still seek medical care. Dog bite infection affects 10 to 15% of people in the United States, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
That is why victims need to seek medical treatment for their dog bite wounds, even if the wound doesn’t appear deep. Dog bite infection affects 10 to 15% of people in the United States, according to the Americans Academy of Pediatrics.
Common Bacteria That Develop Infectious Diseases Due To Dog Bites
The infectious diseases develop as a result of one of the common bacteria listed below:
Pasteurella
This is the most common dog-bite bacteria. Pasteurella naturally resides in a dog’s mouth; this can spread quickly and infect tendons, joints, and bones if left unattended. Symptoms can include pain, reddening, and swelling across the wound. To prevent infection, it is important to have the wound treated immediately.
Staphylococcus
Staphylococcus is a bacterium that can cause infection in the tissues in the body, sometimes resulting in wrongful death. These infections can show symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Since most dog bites break the skin, the staphylococcus bacteria can enter deep tissues and develop there. Staphylococcus aureus has been found in a high percentage of dog bite wounds.
- Coli
Dogs will eat anything. They eat faecal matter, dead animals, and other things that contain the E. coli bacteria. The saliva contains E. coli and can transmit it to the victim, causing a bacterial infection from a dog bite. This can cause severe illness and death.
Capnocytophaga Canimorsus
The infection caused by capnocytophaga canimorsus is rare but is highly dangerous. This bacterium causes blood poisoning, which can be fatal. The majority of cases of capnocytophaga canimorsus did not require a great deal of medical care. Common symptoms of this infection include headache, muscle aches, nausea, rash, and fever.
How To Take Care Of A Dog Bite Wound?
Dog bites should be attended to by a medical professional. The bite should be thoroughly cleaned and the dead tissue will be removed. If the bite is a puncture not on the face or disfiguring, it is not unusual for the doctor to leave the wound open to prevent infection. If the wound is sutured and an infection results, the wound will be reopened and the infection will be cleared.
A course of antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection. The person who was bitten may also need a tetanus shot if they have not had one in the last 5 to 10 years.
If you have suffered from a severe dog bite, then you may file a personal injury claim. This may help you recover from your damages and other medical expenses.
When To Seek Help From A Legal Professional?
Medical bills from a dog bite can be expensive. If the dog bite wound becomes infected, it can result in a prolonged hospital stay, which can cost thousands of dollars. If you have suffered a dog bite, you may be able to seek financial compensation for your injuries.
If you have been the victim of a dog bite, you may want to consider seeking legal help. A Philadelphia Dog Bite lawyer can help you determine if you have a case and what your options are. You may be able to recover damages for your injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.