Considered man’s best friend, dogs are known for being predictable, gentle, and trustworthy. However, regardless of how well-trained dogs are, you should never forget that they’re still instinctual animals. If they feel threatened or frightened, they may bite or attack someone.
Once it happens, victims may suffer immensely from dog bites, which can cause complications.
A dog bite may often lead to scratches, lacerations, tears, and other wounds. In some situations, however, animal bites may result in more severe complications and require stitches, setting broken bones, or antibiotic treatment.
If you’re a victim of a dog bite that leads to complications, it’s best to contact a reliable lawyer to help you get financial recompense.
Below are some common dog bite complications:
1. Infections
A dog bite may cause infections, especially if the dog’s teeth penetrate the victim’s skin, causing bleeding. The bite enables bacteria into the epidermis, which may lead to infections.
To lessen the risk of infection, you must always clean puncture wounds. You should not try closing your wounds using skin repair tape as this may just lock in the bacteria. Beyond that, you must know the signs of infections, including swelling, redness, and pain.
The typical infection from a bite injury is caused by the bacteria in the dog’s mouth, including staphylococcus, capnocytophaga, and Pasteurella. If dog bites break the skin, this can cause bacterial infections. However, the risk of infection differs depending on some factors.
For instance, immunocompromised people are more likely to get infected by said bacteria. If you’ve been a dog bite victim and notice a sign of infection, get medical assistance and seek help from law firms like Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano, P.A. to get compensation.
2. Rabies
Dogs may transmit rabies with just a single bite. Rabies should be taken seriously since it can cause acute human brain inflammation.
Although cases of rabies are rare in places where pet owners are required to give their dogs rabies vaccinations, it’s still a good idea to seek medical help as soon as a dog bites you.
Usually, the symptoms of rabies appear in two to 10 days, but the risk of survival is less when symptoms occur.
So, make sure to get medical attention immediately.
3. Emotional trauma
Once you experience something painful, like a dog attack, your brain may go into safety mode.
After a dog bite, each time you encounter a dog, your brain may trigger your sense of fear, which is the body’s way of keeping you away from any possible dog bite danger.
But there are times when the psychological effects of dog bite injuries may go far beyond your cognitive safety net, and you might suffer from more serious mental distress like post-traumatic stress disorder.
4. Disfigurement
Bites from powerful and aggressive dogs may cause significant damage.
If the attack is vicious, it might cause disfigurement and big-scale scarring.
Even if this complication is rare, cases of dogs biting off the limbs of kids still exist. Dog bites causing facial injuries are common.
5. Meningitis
This dog bite complication is the membrane inflammation that covers the brain and the spinal cord. Meningitis can be fatal since the inflammation is close to essential body parts.
The common symptoms of this disease may include stiffness of the neck, vomiting, fever, headache, confusion, and more.
The presence of viruses, bacteria, and similar organisms in the dog’s saliva may cause meningitis.
6. Nerve damage
Dog bite wounds may damage muscles and skin and cause nerve damage.
This injury may cause permanent or temporary loss of movement and feeling in the affected body parts or areas.
Victims may also not return to their daily activities or work because of nerve damage that may take a long time to heal.
7. Tetanus
Another complication you can get from a dog bite is tetanus.
Even good dogs may carry tetanus; you may contract it if bacteria enter your skin or wound.
However, some doctors don’t often check for tetanus when treating dog bites, so you might want to ask for a test to ensure you won’t get tetanus.
Prevent dog bites
Preventing dog bites requires a combination of responsible ownership, education, and awareness.
Here are some effective strategies to minimize the risk:
Training and socialization
- Early socialization: Introduce your dog to people, environments, and other pets early. This will foster a calm demeanor and minimize reactions to fear.
- Obedience training: Train your dog commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “come” to reduce fear and confusion and help prevent aggressive behavior.
Supervision
- Monitor interactions: Learn your dog’s body language; signs like growling, bared teeth, or tense posture indicate discomfort and potential aggression.
- Avoid uncontrolled situations: Keep your dog on a leash, especially in public spaces or crowded environments to maintain control.
Understand dog body language
- Recognize signs of discomfort: Learn your dog’s body language; signs like growling, bared teeth, or tense posture indicate discomfort and potential aggression.
- Respect their space: Give dogs space, especially during meals or when resting, as approaching them when defensive can increase the risk of a bite.
Educate children
- Teach safe interactions: Teach children to interact safely with dogs, such as avoiding strange ones, not disturbing dogs while eating, and approaching calmly and slowly.
- Recognize warning signs: Teach children to recognize when a dog is unhappy or agitated and to respect the dog’s need for space.
Get regular check-ups
- Veterinary care: Regular vet visits keep your dog healthy and can reduce behavior changes that might lead to biting.
- Proper vaccination: Ensure your dog is vaccinated against rabies and other illnesses, protecting your pet and others.
Be a responsible owner
- Sterilization: Spaying or neutering can reduce aggressive tendencies, especially in male dogs.
- Secure environment: Ensure your yard is fenced and your dog cannot escape or encounter strangers.
Understand your responsibilities
Dog ownership brings both privileges and responsibilities, especially in preventing bites. Understanding the legal implications is vital.
Liability for dog bites
Dog owners can be liable for injuries caused by their pets, including physical injuries and emotional trauma.
The specifics vary by jurisdiction, but common legal principles apply.
- Strict liability: In some areas, strict liability laws hold dog owners responsible for any bites, regardless of the dog’s past behavior.
- One-bite rule: In some regions, the “one-bite rule” allows owners to avoid liability for a first offense if they are unaware of their dog’s aggression. However, this doesn’t exempt them from responsibility; they must take necessary precautions afterward.
Duty of care
Dog owners must act reasonably to ensure others’ safety.
This includes:
- Proper training and socialization: Owners should ensure dogs get proper training and socialization to reduce aggressive behavior.
- Supervision: Supervise your dog around strangers and children to prevent incidents.
Local regulations and leash laws
Many communities require dogs to be leashed in public areas. Not adhering to these laws can increase bite risks and lead to fines. It’s important to know local regulations for responsible ownership.
Reporting and insurance
Dog owners must report bites to local authorities, and having liability insurance offers financial protection against claims. It’s wise to review insurance policies for pet liability coverage.
Preventative measures
Dog owners are responsible for taking proactive measures to protect others. Training, socialization, and secure environments for dogs minimize bite risks and show a commitment to responsible pet ownership.
Final thoughts on dog bite complications
If you suffer from dog bite complications, this may substantially increase your medical care cost and may cause more suffering and intense pain.
If you want to seek compensation and get help covering your medical expenses for your pain, never hesitate to contact the best dog bite lawyer to assist you with navigating this complex problem.