Potential signs of a dog bite infection

If you get bitten by a dog, one of the greatest injury threats you face is infection. Puncture wounds are highly likely to get infected because they can trap debris. It’s also more difficult for a puncture wound to bleed and provide any natural cleaning on its own, which is why it’s so important to clean a dog bite after the event occurs.

But how do you know if the bite has gotten infected? There are a number of signs and symptoms to look for.

Pain that gets worse

To start with, the pain at the bite wound should decrease over time. If it increases, especially if there’s swelling or if the area is warm to the touch, this could indicate that an infection has set in. You may see red streaks under the skin, moving away from the bite area.

The onset of other symptoms

An infection can also lead to symptoms that would otherwise be unrelated to a dog bite. For instance, you may have a fever or run a temperature. You could experience chills, shakes and other signs that your body is fighting the infection.

Difficulty moving

If the dog bite occurred on one of your extremities, you could have trouble moving the affected arm or leg. The joint may become very stiff and painful. This could mean that it’s now worse than just a simple bite.

Seeking compensation

If you were injured by a dangerous dog, especially if the wound gets infected, you could be facing extensive medical bills and other costs. If a family member has an infected bite, you may even worry that it will develop into a life-threatening condition like sepsis. Be sure you know how to seek financial compensation.