There are a couple of different situations that can end you up getting bit by a dog. It could be your family pet or a very familiar pet. It could be a neighbor’s dog.
It could be a totally unfamiliar or strange dog. The bite could even happen while playing with the good spirited canine. Being bit by anything is not a pleasant thing to be, and you should be wary of the unpredictable animal…
In any case, it is good to know that dogs can carry a lot of different bad bacteria for humans in their mouths natively.
What’s Possible
Staphylococcus is one of them. Not necessarily the worst but definitely dangerous. If this bacteria enters your bloodstream, you can have all sorts of issues with your bones and joints as it attacks the internal tissues of your body.
Pneumonia, Endocarditis and/or Osteomyelitis are a few of the most deadly that are associated with staphylococcus.
Streptococcus is a bacteria which causes damage to and can destroy your red blood cells. Since red blood cells are what carry oxygen around your body, you can imagine the complications involved.
Anemia is the most likely unfortunate ailment. And although usually just received from another human with this type of infection, getting streptococcus from a dog bite into your bloodstream is still super dangerous and obviously more painful.
Pasteurella is also a known possible issue, depending on the canine and its history and exposure to this bacteria.
Respiratory infection and meningitis can occur in a worst case scenario, although most likely is a painful local wound infection. Another unpleasant possibility from a dog bite is Capnocytophaga. Around the dog’s bite wound, there could be redness, blistering, pus drainage and pain.
But that’s not all: You could also develop upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, headaches and disorientation. Some people may not think about this bacteria when dealing with a dog bite, but tetanus is also a possibility.
Another name for tetanus is ‘lockjaw’ because it can cause your jaw and neck to lock up and make it hard for you to swallow or open your mouth. Painful muscle contractions throughout your body can occur, as a worst case scenario. Your health professional may even recommend a tetanus booster after a dog bite, although a tetanus shot usually lasts a decade.
And of course the condition you have all been waiting for: Rabies. Very rare, but still deadly, this virus is transmitted through a dog’s saliva if bitten by said dog. If left untreated, this virus will kill you. A list of uncomfortable possible symptoms are here. Ranking the severity of and possibility of all depends on factors such as geographical location, climate and time of year. Also, treatment for each varies…bottom line: you need to see a health professional as soon as possible.
What To Do
So what do you right away after being bit by a dog? Clean it. And clean it well. This means a good antibacterial soap with warm water for about 10 minutes will generally do the trick.
That is if the canine bite is a minor one. A major bite obviously requires immediate medical attention. Using hydrogen peroxide or another such antiseptic with some cotton gauze is also not a bad idea.
The prevention of any foriegn bacteria entering your bloodstream due to the dog’s saliva is key. Whether it was a familiar dog or not. Then stop the bleeding, if it still is bleeding, with a clean cloth and a bit of pressure on the wound. Then apply some over the counter antibiotic cream like Bacitracin or Neosporin directly on the wound to help combat some possible infection that escaped your soap, water and antiseptic cleansing.
Antibiotic cream will kill any bacteria before it gets any further into your bloodstream. Wrap the wound to prevent further possible infection from being exposed. Keeping an open wound away from any other elements is very important at this point.
Seek medical attention and follow their instructions. Any good Urgent care will know what to do. Do you think you will need legal help to recoup costs and pain and suffering? If it comes to that, or at least to reimburse your medical expenses, personal injury lawyers at https://www.stewartlawoffices.net say this arduous journey can move much faster with professionals at your side. This is obviously not the steps you want to take, but it is here to help if you need it.
And The Dog?
Then let us find out about that other dog, if you don’t know already. Are its shots up to date? Let’s hope so, for your sake. That is one less thing to worry about in this scenario.
So let’s say that you are not familiar with the dog. You do find out who the dog’s owner is and they are not cooperating with you as to the dog’s vaccination state. The doctor will tell you that you should get the oral antibiotics to ensure no infection and the rabies shots just to be sure.
Finding out about unfamiliar animal is paramount as rabies shots are not at all desirable if they are not necessary. Things that may occur from rabies shots are:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Muscle aches
- Dizziness
- Injection site swelling, redness, soreness
The last possibility is that you have no idea who owns the dog or where it came from. Calling 911 to alert the police and local animal shelter or humane society to capture the dog is definitely in order.
To possibly get some answers for you as it would get tested for possible sickness or at least to prevent the dog from taking in any more human flesh.
Bad things happen sometimes. This article has informed you of possibilities, actions and outcomes to help you in case of an undesirable and possibly emotional canine run-in to keep you in the know.