You have probably heard that you should be sure to wash any dog bites thoroughly, even if the dog only gave you a tiny nip. Yet you might not realize exactly what type of infection you are trying to prevent by doing this.
Dogs can cause several serious infections through a bite, so here are some of the key ones to know about.
- Tetanus: Being vaccinated against tetanus can help, but you will still need a booster shot.
- Rabies: Rabies can kill a human, which is why most dogs are vaccinated against it. However, with the growing anti-vax movement expanding to pets, not just people, you can never be too sure.
- Capnocytophaga: You might not notice any symptoms for up to a fortnight, but when it hits, it can do so hard, causing kidney failure, a heart attack or gangrene.
- Sepsis: While the dog won’t actually give you sepsis, it’s a serious concern. It can occur when the body overreacts in its attempt to fight an infection and is one of the biggest killers of those who have received hospital treatment.
Note that some infections can also be passed via a scratch, not just a bite.
Medical attention is highly recommended
Trying to self-diagnose whether you picked up an infection and what type it might be is never going to be easy. It is far better to seek prompt medical attention and have a qualified medical professional handle matters, and perhaps administer a preventive shot to reduce the risk that something develops. Their report can also serve you if you need to claim compensation, which may be necessary if an infection develops or the bite itself causes physical damage. Appropriate legal guidance can help you understand how to put in that claim.