Reducing the Chance of Infection

If you even made eye contact with a strange dog or other animal and got attacked, you understand how high-risk certain dogs can be. Over 4.5 million people are bitten every year by dogs each year, according to government-funded studies. Dog bites and attacks by other pets like cats and even bats can lead to traumatic injuries and fatalities, often leading to deep head, face, and neck puncture wounds among small children.

Face injuries, even caused by puppies, can be gruesome. They don’t always heal without reconstructive surgery and often get infected. Although California dog bite laws can hold dog owners and other parties like negligent landlords and police liable for damages caused by their animals, emergency health care is sometimes far more critical, especially during the first several minutes after the assault.

Below, Los Angeles dog bite lawyer Michael Ehline discusses his first-hand knowledge as a dog bite expert in dog bite treatment. This general information applies to most animal bites and even bite wounds by a wild animal, not just a severe dog bite wound. Ultimately, we will discuss how to treat and prevent infections, which can help victims file a claim seeking compensation for damages when dogs bite and break the skin.

Treating the Wounds – Circumstances

Your reaction to the dog attack and animal bite, of course, depends on what happened. Suppose a large, aggressive Rottweiler or a German shepherd severely mauled you. In that case, it should go without saying that you should go to a hospital for emergency care as soon as possible. After all, direct pressure and soap and water may not be helpful when you are bleeding heavily. Such attacks could require surgery or stitches, especially if they broke your skin, so you must see a doctor.

Steps for Treating the Wound

1. Clean and wash the wound, and make sure you are using soap and warm water
2. Place a clean cloth over the wound gently to halt bleeding
3. Administer an antibacterial ointment to the wound
4. Cover the area with a sterile bandage
5. Be vigilant for indications of infection
6. Seek medical assistance if infection is suspected, rabies exposure is possible, or the wound is significant.

In other cases, dog bites may be treatable with a visit to your family doctor and follow-up antibiotic ointment to prevent infection caused by bacteria in a dog’s mouth. However, most hospitals will likely say you will have to get rabies shots, especially in cases of wild animals like gophers.

Your doctor can adequately assess the attack’s seriousness and the best course of action and rule out any bite fever with basic disease control techniques. This may include vaccination shots or simple stitches. No matter what the case, your injuries should be treated, and the dog should be examined by a veterinarian and fully vaccinated, assuming it’s not put down to no longer pose a future threat.

You might be able to do this by yourself. Cleaning your wound under warm water with soap reduces the chance of infection. Follow this up with the topical use of alcohol or iodine to kill off germs transmitted by the bite or scratch (CAVEAT: puncture wounds are handled differently.) Let’s get into more detail about rabies prevention 101 and what animal control calls for, especially in unknown dogs that the authorities or a pet owner can’t quarantine.

Providing Care for a Dog Bite

In the event of a dog bite, swift medical attention or minimal first aid is essential to minimize the potential for bacterial infection. You must evaluate the wound’s severity, which is equally crucial, especially if you face a weakened immune system from a pre-existing illness. Depending on the circumstances, you might be capable of applying initial aid, while in certain situations, urgent medical intervention becomes necessary. In that case, after getting washed with a clean towel, shots, and stitches, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics and report your dog bite to the proper authorities, including local police, as a mandatory reporter.

Regardless of the dog’s ownership, whether it’s your pet or belongs to someone else, a dog bite can leave you distressed. Should medical attention be required, reaching out for assistance is advisable instead of attempting to transport yourself to a medical facility.

Below, you’ll discover the recommended steps following a dog bite incident and preventative measures to ward off infections. You have to take a few minutes to see a doctor, but pack this away in your mind to stabilize damaged tissue.

Inquire About the Dog’s Vaccination Record

Following a dog bite incident, your initial action should be to create distance between yourself and the dog to prevent further bites.

Once the immediate threat has passed and the bleeding stops, you must ascertain the dog’s vaccination status against rabies.

If the dog’s owner is present, request information regarding the dog’s vaccination history. Collect the owner’s name, phone number, and veterinarian’s contact details. If feasible, also request some form of identification.

When dealing with a stray dog, you have to inquire with witnesses about the dog’s identity and the owner’s location. Dog bites can occur within a familiar setting, such as your pet. To mitigate risks, the dog owner must ensure the dog remains up-to-date with rabies vaccinations. Even a well-behaved and gentle dog may exhibit occasional biting behavior.

Administering Initial Aid 101

The specific first aid you provide will depend on the severity of the bite. If your skin remains intact, clean the area using warm water and soap. If it is broken, apply an antibacterial lotion as a precautionary measure. Gently apply pressure to the wound to induce slight bleeding, which helps eliminate germs.

Should bleeding occur, place a clean cloth on the wound and apply gentle pressure to halt the flow. Proceed by using antibacterial lotion and covering with a sterile bandage.

Regardless of the bite’s magnitude, vigilance is required. Regularly inspect the wound for signs of infection, even for minor wounds you treat with running water, especially when kids get bit.

Keep watch for any of the following changes:

• Redness and red streaks, black edges, yellow or green pus (watch for signs of fever over 100 degrees.)
• Swelling
• Warmth
• Tenderness, when touched, does not resolve with over-the-counter pain meds or anti-inflammatories like Motrin.

If the wound deteriorates, pain intensifies, or you experience fever, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial.

Reducing the Chance of Infection

Dog attacks can take many forms. Some may involve small dogs nipping at a person who comes too close. In other cases, severe scratches are particularly prone to infection, starting at the wound area. In other cases, full-on attacks by large dogs could provoke severe injury, disfigurement, or even death.

In these cases, the injured party needs the most attention and advice. Should you find yourself in need of medical attention following a dog attack, do not panic. As noted, many ways exist to reduce the chance of a more severe injury, scarring, or infection.

TIP: Never tease a strange dog, play with their toys or dog food bowl, etc., as they may feel threatened and show their teeth.

When to Seek Medical Assistance

Approximately 1 in 5 dog bites will require medical attention.

Always consult a doctor for a dog bite under the following circumstances:

• The bite is inflicted by a dog with an uncertain rabies vaccination history or a dog displaying abnormal behavior or signs of illness
• Bleeding doesn’t cease
• Intense pain is experienced
• The bite exposes bones, tendons, or muscles
• Loss of function occurs, like an inability to flex fingers
• The affected area appears red, swollen, or inflamed
• Pus or fluid is discharged from the wound.

Additionally, seek medical help if:

• You are uncertain about your last tetanus shot
• Feelings of weakness, disorientation, or faintness arise
• A fever is present.

Potential Complications from a Dog Bite

Dog bites can lead to various complications, such as infections, rabies, and nerve or muscle damage.

1. Nerve and Muscle Damage: A deep bite, even minor, can harm nerves, muscles, and blood vessels beneath the skin.
2. Broken Bones: Bites from larger dogs might lead to fractured or broken bones, especially in the hands, feet, or legs. If you suspect broken bones, seek immediate medical help.
3. Rabies and Infection: Rabies is a severe viral illness that affects the central nervous system. Dogs’ mouths contain bacteria, including staphylococcus, Pasteurella, and Capnocytophaga. Despite claims of MRSA transmission through dog bites, no recent reports validate this. When a dog bite breaks the skin, these bacteria can lead to bacterial infections. The risk is elevated in individuals with compromised immune systems or diabetes.
4. Tetanus: Tetanus, a bacterial disease, is rare in the U.S. due to routine vaccines in childhood. Adults should receive a tetanus booster every ten years. If signs of infection are detected after a dog bite, seeking medical attention is advisable. Rapid medical attention is necessary if the dog’s vaccination history is unknown or if they are not up-to-date on rabies vaccinations.
5. Scarring: Dog bites that tear the skin can cause scarring. Mild scarring can diminish over time, while more severe scarring or scars on visible areas might require medical procedures like grafting or plastic surgery.
6. Death: The occurrence of dog bite-related deaths in the U.S. is very infrequent. When they do occur, approximately 70% of fatalities involve children below ten years old.

It’s essential to promptly address any potential complications arising from a dog bite through appropriate medical care and professional advice.

Need for a Rabies Shot

If you’ve been bitten by a dog displaying signs of rabies, such as erratic behavior or frothing at the mouth, it’s advisable to seek a rabies vaccine. Rabies is a potentially fatal disease, but immediate medical intervention can prevent its progression, rendering it 100% preventable. Rabies in humans is uncommon in the U.S., and dog transmission is infrequent due to widespread vaccination and preventive efforts. However, if there are concerns about rabies transmission from a dog bite, obtaining a rabies post-exposure vaccine is wise.

The vaccine entails a series of four injections administered over several weeks. Additionally, a rabies immune globulin injection is part of the treatment protocol. Immediate medical attention is essential to address potential rabies exposure.

Preventing Infection After a Dog Bite

Dog bites can introduce harmful bacteria into the body, potentially leading to severe and fatal infections if left untreated.

Immediate action is vital:

1. Clean the Wound: Wash the dirty area around the wound promptly for dried blood or dirt after the bite. Utilize topical antibiotics like povidone-iodine in and around broken skin that is left open, so long as it is not too deep.
2. Cover and Change Bandages: Cover the wound and replace bandages daily to protect against contamination.
3. Monitor for Signs of Infection: Stay vigilant for signs of infection. Depending on the infection type, symptoms can manifest within 24 hours up to 14 days after the bite.
4. Swift Medical Attention: Infections can escalate rapidly. If infection signs arise, consult a doctor immediately. Oral or intravenous antibiotics might be necessary.
5. Complete Antibiotics Course: If antibiotics are prescribed, adhere to the entire treatment course, usually lasting 1 to 2 weeks. Even if the infection improves, continuing medication is crucial to prevent recurrence.

By taking these proactive measures, people can significantly reduce the risk of infection and promote healing.

Outlook and Preventive Measures

Dealing with dog bites requires attention due to the potential for severe complications when left untreated. Commonly, bacterial infections can emerge as a challenging complication from dog bites. Prompt medical attention is crucial if signs of infection arise, especially in deep punctures leading to instanced streptococcus exposure.

To safeguard against dog bites and their associated complications:

• Vaccinate Your Dog: Inoculating your dog against rabies is a proactive step. This, along with avoiding unfamiliar dogs, is an effective defense against dog bites.
• Exercise Caution: Never approach an unknown dog, regardless of its appearance. The rule applies to both adorable-looking dogs and those you don’t recognize.
• Respect Boundaries: Avoid rough play or aggressive interaction with dogs, even those you know. “Let sleeping dogs lie” is a wise principle, and avoid disturbing dogs eating or caring for their young.

Following these precautions and the advice of your physician can minimize the risk of dog bites and their potential complications, like weakened immune systems. Furthermore, if the puncture wound attack site shows swelling or redness, go to the doctor for a professional opinion. Because dog bites are vectors for diseases such as MRSA, tetanus, or rabies, it is vital to treat these injuries sooner rather than later.

If the dog’s owner is around, ask them for their vaccination history. That way, you can ensure that you obtain the owner’s name, telephone number, and veterinarian’s contact information. Stop the spread. You’ll be glad you did.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Top Los Angeles Personal Injury Attorneys

Any breed of dog with teeth can bite someone without warning. The damages can be substantial when the wound appears, and you must control bleeding until you can see a doctor. Always have a clean bandage and mild soap if you need to act after a dog bite. Contact our office to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced Los Angeles dog bite injury lawyer for all deadly and minor bites. After receiving proper dog bite treatment, let’s work together to get you the money you deserve from the party responsible for your losses while working or playing. We are ready to help you obtain fair compensation for your medical treatment and other suffering at (213) 596-9642.

Bug bites do not bother humans as much as they do dogs. Although most dog bites are itchy nuisances causing discomfort, they can be life-threatening on rare occasions. That is why it is crucial to know how to identify bug bites on your pet and any allergic reactions before treating dog bug bites.

Let’s review our “Dog Bug Bites: How to Treat Them and What to Look Out For” guide with Ehline Law and our dog bite personal injury attorneys.

Common Insect Bites on Your Pet Dog

As a pet owner, you are responsible for looking after your pet’s health, including identifying, preventing, and treating health concerns. A bug bite can cause severe irritation and discomfort to your pup, so it is essential to know about common insect bites before you can treat them.

Most insect bites are manageable, while some can cause severe allergic reactions, so let’s go over some common bug bites that may be causing irritation and discomfort to your pet dog.

Mosquito Bites

The penetration point on mosquito bites can be difficult to see since the needles are tiny, but you can determine if it is a mosquito bite if your dog is constantly scratching itself, a sign to inspect further. With more painful bites, your dog may chew or lick the affected area.

Run your fingers over the affected area to identify mosquito bites and look for irregularly shaped bumps. These insect bites can lead to your pup’s heartworm disease, a severe and potentially fatal disease. If your dog is already taking preventive medications, you don’t need to worry, but if they are on medicine 30 days after the illness, you need to take them to the vet.

Flea Bites

Although flea bites on dogs can happen all year round, fleas are very aggressive during hot seasons, and black specs (flea dirt) around the red spots are a giveaway that your pup suffers from a flea bite. To diagnose flea bites, carefully examine your dog’s skin for clusters of tiny red bumps, usually around the paws, belly, and between skin folds.

Your furry friend can suffer from flea allergy dermatitis and even develop tapeworms if the pet swallows a flea infected by one, but don’t worry, as tapeworms are not dangerous to dogs. A vet can prescribe medication to help.

When a dog suffers from a flea allergy, the chewing and scratching become intense, but it may not always be a sign of flea bites. If your dog has small red bumps during winter and no one in your family suffers from a flea allergy, it may be a mite infestation.

Tick Bites

A tick bite is another bug bite you should look out for. Tick bites look similar to mosquito bites, making it extremely difficult to identify tick bites on dogs unless the bugs have already latched onto the animal.

Ticks cannot survive below-freezing temperatures, which means they’re active all year round in most parts of the world.

Using a pair of fine-point tweezers, grasp onto the pesky bugs and lift gently until the tick lets go. Avoid using blunt tweezers as they can tear the tick’s mouth while leaving part of the body inside the skin.

Tick bug bites on dogs can spread bacteria causing Lyme disease, traveling through the body and localizing in joints or kidneys. Diagnosing Lyme disease in pets is difficult as most animals do not develop a characteristic bull’s-eye rash visible in humans suffering from the same condition. Only 20% of the animals affected by Lyme disease develop a circular rash within 3 to 20 days of being bitten.

Because of their effectiveness, the Snap 4Dx and QC6 treatment methods have replaced traditional blood tests. It is important to remember that many dogs testing positive may not require treatment if they have sufficient levels of C6 antibodies.

Spider Bites

Most dog spider bites are not life-threatening, causing mild swelling and tenderness; however, two species of spiders, Loxosceles (brown recluse spider) and Latrodectus (black widow spider) can severely harm pups.

A black widow and brown recluse spider bite can cause symptoms within the first few hours. Your puppy will go through intense pain and will have lesions around the bite, which is a sign of poisoning. The symptoms will start to get worse gradually, and your pup may experience seizures, paralysis, and fever, among other symptoms.

If you discover that your pet has lesions around the bite wound and displays the symptoms mentioned above, immediately take your pet to the vet. You won’t always spot the black lesions from a venomous spider bite, so monitoring symptoms is your best bet for diagnosis.

Hornet and Bee Stings

Bees, hornets, and wasps will react immediately by stinging if they feel threatened. A hornet, bee, or wasp can sting your pet if your dog accidentally disturbs them. 

If your dog is suffering from insect stings, the stinger might still be in it, which is why you need to locate the stinger and remove it by scraping a credit card over the skin until it pops out. Avoid using tweezers, as they can squeeze more venom from the bee sting into your pet.

Ant Bites

Ant bites are usually not a concern unless it’s a fire or bullet ant, as these species can deliver a nasty bite. Dogs typically come into contact with ants when playing outside and may unintentionally step on an ant colony, diverting their attention toward them.

Small red bumps are an indication of many ant bites. However, fire ant bites can leave pus-filled blisters. Make sure you examine the rest of the body, as ants can cling to your pet and roam around in fur.

Fly Bites

Some of the most aggressive fly bites come from flies found around farms, including black flies and horseflies. Dog owners can quickly scan their pets for fly bites by looking for red splotches on their underside.

Emergencies: When Should You Take Your Pet to a Vet?

Since dogs cannot communicate like humans, it can be difficult to tell what your pet is experiencing, especially if it is your first time seeing your dog sick. After getting bitten by an insect, your dog may have an allergic reaction. 

The good news is that only two allergic reactions are dangerous to pups.

Types of Allergic Reactions

There are four types of allergic reactions a dog may have toward insect bites, and these include:

• Anaphylactic: After a deadly bite, a dog may undergo anaphylactic shock, where the blood pressure drops suddenly, causing breathing problems. There is no treatment for anaphylactic reactions, and symptoms can deteriorate within 20 minutes of the bite.
• Edema: A dog may experience significant swelling in its face or throat. An allergic reaction to edema is treatable and is only dangerous if the swelling blocks the animal’s breathing passage.
• Hives: Extremely annoying; hives can cause itching but are not dangerous to the animal.
• Allergic dermatitis is a skin condition where the dog will start to experience itchy or flaky skin.

Not all bites are dangerous to your furry friend, but if you believe your dog’s insect bite came from a spider, contact a vet immediately.

Signs of an Anaphylactic Reaction Following an Insect Bite

An anaphylactic/anaphylaxis reaction is a severe life-threatening emergency affecting the animal’s vital organs. It can cause seizures after restricting blood flow and affect your pup’s breathing ability.

If your dog experiences reaction symptoms from the bite, such as vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, hives, seizures, or excessive drooling, take it to a vet immediately.

How Can I Tell If My Dog Is Having Difficulty Breathing?

Although edema or hives reactions are much less severe than anaphylactic reactions, these can become life-threatening if the swelling constricts the animal’s airway. 

If your pet has difficulty breathing, it may experience breathing through the mouth, panting, flaring nostrils, labored breathing, diarrhea, or noisy breathing.

How to Treat Insect Bites on Dogs

Many pup owners give their pets Benadryl, an antihistamine medication for allergies. Although the drug is effective against mild allergies, depending on your dog’s health, it can worsen matters, so it’s best to refer your dog to a vet before giving it Benadryl.

Here are some of the ways you can treat insect bites on dogs.

Check for Stinger

Start treating insect bites by checking for any stingers. Don’t pull them out using a tweezer; instead, as mentioned previously, use a credit card to push them out of the body carefully.

Use an Ice Pack

Stings and bites can swell quickly, so apply an ice pack over the affected area to keep the swelling down and provide your pet with some comfort.

Apply Baking Soda

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using baking soda as a natural way to reduce itchiness. Mix baking soda with water until it forms a paste-like consistency, and apply it generously over your dog’s bites, just like an ointment.

Avoid using human ointments, as they can be dangerous for some dogs. Before using any cream, call your vet and discuss it with them.

Give Oatmeal Bath

Oatmeal baths can be very soothing and help your pup relax as long as your dog does not overly stress during bath times, especially if your pet has numerous bite wounds or stings.

Apply Aloe Vera Gel

Aloe vera gel is a natural remedy for insect bites because of its antiseptic properties. Apply the gel over the bite marks, letting it soak into the skin. Ensure your pup does not lick the gel, which will not help the problem.

If You’re Not Sure, Head to a Vet for Medical Help

Identifying symptoms and the different insect bites can help you determine the next course of action; however, if you’re unsure of the type of bite causing a severe allergic reaction in your pup, don’t waste any time and head to a vet for medical help. It could be a severe allergic reaction that can cause death.

What If You Get Bitten by a Rabid Dog?

We’ve gone over identifying and treating insect bites on dogs. But what if a dog bites a human? If a dog bites you, wash the wound, slow the bleeding by wrapping a cloth tightly, apply antibiotic cream, and then cover the injury before heading to a doctor. Once you’ve received medical help, contact a dog bite attorney.

If you suffered injuries from a dog bite in California, you must contact an experienced dog bite attorney, as you may qualify for compensation. Contact us at (833) LETS-SUE for a free consultation on your case.