Identifying the Early Signs of a Serious Dog Bite Injury

Early identification of the symptoms of a serious dog bite can help prevent long-standing health consequences. But it’s not always easy to tell when a recent bite has the potential for lasting damage. That’s why the recommendation is to see a doctor regardless of whether you’re experiencing any immediate pain or discomfort after a dog bites you. But if a dog bites you and you have not undergone a physical examination with a health specialist, this guide will explain how to identify the early signs of a serious dog bite injury.

What Are the Most Common Signs of a Serious Dog Bite?

Physical Signs of Serious Dog Bites

Immediately after a dog bite, several physical indicators can help determine the severity of the injury, including:

Depth and Appearance of the Wound 

Serious dog bites involve deep puncture wounds or large, gaping lacerations. The wound may appear jagged or have significant tissue damage. Deep wounds extending beyond the skin’s surface into muscle or underlying tissues are particularly concerning. Wounds with multiple puncture marks or those that show significant tissue crushing indicate a more severe attack.

Bleeding

Serious bites typically involve profuse or persistent bleeding. While minor bites might have minimal bleeding, severe bites can cause:

• Continuous, heavy bleeding that doesn’t stop with direct pressure
• Spurting blood, which may indicate artery damage 
• Blood that is dark red or bright red and flowing consistently

Visible Tissue Damage 

After a vicious dog attack, you may experience damage to the underlying tissue, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments under the skin. Signs of tissue damage include:

• Exposed muscle or bone
• Large sections of skin or tissue torn away
• Significant bruising around the wound
• Areas of crushed or mangled tissue
• Avulsion injuries where tissue is partially or completely separate

Dog Bite Infection Signs

Dog bite victims may only know they have an infected dog bite in the weeks afterward. If you or someone you love experiences any of the following after an attack, you should visit an urgent care clinic or emergency room as soon as possible for treatment. 

• Increasing redness around the wound
• Warmth or heat radiating from the injury site
• Swelling that continues to expand
• Pus or discharge from the wound
• Odor coming from the injury
• Red streaks extending from the wound (indicating potential blood infection)
• Fever or chills
• Increased pain or tenderness

Rabies Risk

In the immediate aftermath of a dog attack, undergoing a rabies vaccination should be your highest priority. Rabies is a leading risk in dog attacks involving:

• Bites from unknown or unvaccinated dogs
• Wounds near the head, neck, or hands
• Bites from wild or stray animals
• Multiple puncture wounds

Your post-rabies exposure treatment will include a shot at the site of the wound containing antibodies that help destroy the rabies virus. Four shots of the rabies vaccine in your upper arm to protect against infection. 

Dog Bites Have Lasting Health Consequences

Proactively seeing a doctor is the best way to determine whether you’ve sustained serious damage after a dog bite. Even relatively minor bites and scratches can have lasting health consequences. Below are some of the serious consequences of a dog bite.

• Bite infections

The latest data from the American Kennel Club shows there are over 600 types of bacteria in a dog’s mouth. One of the most common infections from dog bites is from the Capnocytophaga bacteria.  When the Capnocytophaga enters the bloodstream, through an open bite wound, it can potentially lead to endocarditis (inflammation of the heart) and meningitis, (inflammation of the brain membranes), both of which can be life-threatening. Your doctor can analyze the wound for signs of an infection and pre-empt serious consequences with antibiotics.

• Lacerations that don’t heal

When a dog bite several months prior is not healing, it’s a sign you have a serious injury. Dog bites to the neck and face are some of the most common for serious scarring. The skin in these sensitive areas of the body is thinner, and more prone to serious damage after a dog bite.  Proactive analysis alongside a cosmetic surgeon can help ensure that lacerations heal effectively and mitigate scarring concerns over the years to come. You might also speak with a dog bite lawyer specializing in scar removal and treatment, as they often have a network featuring New Jersey’s leading cosmetic surgeons.

• Nerve damage

Nerve damage is one of the most misunderstood consequences of dog attacks. Two specific types of nerve damage are most common in dog attack victims:

Neuropraxia

A dog bite victim with neuropraxia may experience burning sensations and numbness in the affected area. Physical therapy can help in the rehabilitation process and may limit the long-standing effects of neuropraxic damage. 

Axotnmesis

A bite victim with Axotnmesis may experience loss of motor function, muscle control, sensory deficiencies, and paralysis. The recovery process is months long and patients must undergo a customized treatment plan featuring microsurgical techniques to support endurance between the distal and proximal nerve areas.

Secure Settlements for Your Dog Bite Medical Care with the New Jersey Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog bite lawyer David Cowhey is known as the New Jersey dog bite attorney with the most six-figure settlements. He serves clients throughout the state, including Jersey City, Trenton, Tom’s River, and Egg Harbor Township. Don’t settle for a penny less than you deserve from your dog bite case. Request your free case consultation with David Cowhey to explore your legal options and begin the compensation recovery process.