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Dog Bite Wounds | Treatment

Dog bites can progress quickly from a small cut or puncture wound to a serious infection.  On top of this, mental trauma and stress is common after a dog attack.  This is especially pronounced in children.  Please read on to learn more about what to do after a dog bite or attack.

Almost any bite should be looked at by your physician.  While some of the bites can heal without any further damage or illness infection is a serious concern. 

Please see a doctor if:

• The bite is on your hand, foot or head.
• The bite is deep or gaping, regardless of the location of the bite.
• There is a puncture wound. This small mark on the skin can hide a deep wound that is susceptible to infection.
• You have diabetes, liver or lung disease, cancer, AIDS or another condition that has weakened your immune system.
• You have any sign of infection. Signs of infection include redness around the wound, swelling, warmth, tenderness, puss coming from the wound or a fever.
• The bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes of pressure.
• You think you have a broken bone, nerve damage or any high level s of pain.
• Your last tetanus shot was more than five years ago.
• The dog does not have current immunizations or you do not know if its shots are current.

Treatment of Dog Bites

When you see the doctor there are several things she may do to treat your wounds.  Of course treatment of dog bites depends on the severity of the attack.  Some treatment options include:

• An examination that will check for nerve damage, tendon damage or bone injury.
• Checking for any signs of infection. This may be repeated at a later date.
• Stitches to close a wound. However, wounds from dog bites are often left open to heal in order to lower the risk of infection.
• An antibiotic ointment and/or oral antibiotic may be given to prevent infection.
• If you or your child has not had a tetanus shot in the last five years a booster shot may be given.
• If the dogs immunization status is unknown or it is know that the animal has not had its rabies shot you may be treated to prevent contracting rabies.
• Depending on the seriousness of the wounds hospital care and reconstructive surgery may be needed.
• If tendons and muscles were injured physical therapy may be necessary.

Depending on the severity of the bite long term treatment may include reconstructive surgery, physical and mental rehabilitation and ongoing medical care.  If you have been attacked you may be worried about lost wages and your finances as you miss work.  Is there any recourse to be taken after a dog bite?  The answer is yes.  It doesn't matter if the dog has never attacked before.  In Connecticut a dog's owner or "keeper" is responsible for injuries and damages the animal causes.

After a dog bite, no matter how minor, please be seen by your doctor.  Infection in dog bites is very common and if the dog has not had its rabies shots you will may need immediate treatment to protect against this serious disease. 

When you are sure that your medical needs have been met please contact one of our experienced attorneys.  We have been fighting for the rights of injury victims for over 30 years, and are passionate about protecting the injured.  With locations across the state we serve all of Connecticut (CT) to include: Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, Waterbury, Norwalk and Danbury. 

Please call today for your free consultation.  1.800.999.2020

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