What to Do After Being Bitten by a Dog

A bite from an animal can leave a deep puncture, so it’s important to get immediate medical care. A vet may also prescribe antibiotics and give you a tetanus shot, if you haven’t had one in the last five years. If the bite is particularly severe, a surgical procedure may be needed to repair the damage.

Canine teeth can make deep punctures

While some dog bites are minor and may cause only bruising and cuts, others are more serious and can cause deep puncture wounds. A deep puncture wound can be the result of a dog’s powerful jaws crushing the victim’s flesh or tearing the skin. Some serious dog bites may require surgery or extensive medical treatment.

Rabies

If you are bitten by a dog, you should consult a veterinarian immediately. Rabies is a serious disease and can be fatal. The virus usually takes about three to four days to reach the brain, but it can occur up to 10 days before symptoms appear. Infected saliva travels to the brain and spinal cord, where it multiplies. Symptoms will only appear after three to 12 weeks, but it’s not too late to get treatment.

Tetanus

After being bitten by a dog, it is important to get the proper medical attention and get a tetanus shot. Though the chances of contracting tetanus are extremely low, it is still important to follow your doctor’s advice and get the shot. Your doctor can also determine if you need a booster shot.

Disfigurement

If you have been bitten by a dog, you’ll want to seek medical treatment as soon as possible. The longer you wait to get treatment, the more likely you’ll have permanent scarring and disfigurement. In addition, a dog bite can cause infection and diseases, including rabies. The saliva that the dog gives off can also lead to further problems.

Scarring

Fortunately, there are many options available to minimize scarring after being bitten by a dog. Early medical treatment is important, since delayed treatment can cause further damage and infection. Plastic and dermatological surgeons are great resources for managing scarring. However, cosmetic surgery is expensive, and there are risks involved. Before choosing cosmetic surgery, make sure to discuss all options with your physician and insurance company.

Documenting a dog bite incident

After a dog bite incident, documentation is an essential part of recovery. It should include all visible injuries, medical records and even a journal entry. Ideally, documentation will also include the details of the attack and how it affected the victim’s life. Personal Injury Attorney Billings MT