Getting bitten by a dog is scary, especially if the bite punctures the skin. If you or your loved one is wondering about dog bites and puncture wounds, please call one of our experienced dog bite attorneys at Eason & Tambornini.
If you are the victim of a dog bite by an animal other than your own, you may be entitled to compensation. One of our skilled personal injury lawyers can help you through the legal process.
Learn more about our Sacramento Dog Bite Attorney Services.
Is swelling normal after a dog bite?
Dog bites vary. The bigger and more ferocious the dog, the more severe the injuries can be. Even if the dog bite doesn’t completely break the skin, it’s normal for the skin to swell and bruise because even a tiny tissue injury can trigger inflammation.
If the dog’s teeth puncture the skin, you should expect the presence of inflammation and swelling. In addition to the tissue damage, bacteria and other pathogens from the dog’s mouth and saliva could be transferred to the wound and cause an infection.
If the dog that bit you was someone else’s, know that its owner should cover the medical expenses for your injuries.
What should you do if you get bitten by a dog?
If you get bitten by a dog, thoroughly wash the area with soap and clean, flowing water. This can help remove debris as well as reduce the risk of infection.
If the wound is bleeding heavily, consider applying a tourniquet above the wound and then elevate the bitten area. This can help reduce blood flow and prevent blood loss. After washing the wound, immediately go to the nearest hospital for tetanus prophylaxis and anti-rabies shots. X-rays may also be taken to check for fractures, especially if the dog that attacked you was a large breed. If there are signs of a fracture, splinting may be recommended.
In addition to cleaning the wound with wound irrigation or debridement, medications will be prescribed for pain, inflammation, and infection prevention.
What is the puncture wound care for dog bites?
You must follow your doctor’s advice for wound care to keep it clean and dry, which will help prevent infection. You must also apply topical antibiotics to the wound as your doctor prescribes. Topical ointments, in addition to oral antibiotic treatment, can also help prevent infection.
What are the precautions after a dog bite?
Symptoms to watch out for are swelling of the bitten area, redness, warmth, and pain. You should also watch out for fever, night sweats, rapid heart, respiratory rate, dizziness, and confusion. This could mean there is a puncture wound infection. You may need more potent antibiotics to treat it.
If you notice that the wound is worsening, go to your doctor immediately. A wound culture may be ordered to identify the type of bacteria causing the infection. By identifying the bacteria, your doctor can prescribe the most effective antibiotic for your wound.
If pain doesn’t improve with pain medications or antibiotics, it may signal a nerve injury.
Psychological Effects of a Dog Bite
If you’re suffering from nightmares, stress, anxiety, and flashbacks of the dog attack, you should also see your physician. Severe dog attacks could trigger post-traumatic stress disorder and would need medications and psychotherapy for symptom control.
What can you do?
Treatment for a dog bite and the after-effects of a dog attack can become expensive. If someone else’s dog bit you or your loved one, know that you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, and medical expenses. Our Eason & Tambornini lawyers can help you understand why swelling is joint after a dog bite, first-aid treatment for dog bites, wound care, and symptoms to watch out for.
For any concerns and worries about dog bit puncture wounds, please call one of our Eason & Tambornini Sacramento dog bite lawyers at (916) 438-1819. We offer a free consultation, and we charge no upfront fees. You only pay if and when you win a settlement.
The information provided on this blog is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog.
