Introduction
A dog bite can lead to a variety of health complications if left untreated. This article will provide an overview of what to expect in the first 24 hours after a dog bite and in the days following. We will cover the immediate reaction to the bite, infection risks, types of infections, when to seek medical care, tetanus shots, antibiotics, wound care, pain management, and the potential psychological impact.
Immediate Reaction
When a dog bites, the most immediate concern is controlling the pain, bleeding and swelling at the bite site. The bite will likely puncture the skin and underlying tissue, resulting in bleeding and swelling around the wound.
The amount of pain experienced will depend on the location and severity of the bite. Bites to areas with lots of nerve endings, like the face and hands, tend to be the most painful. The pressure from the bite may also cause bruising and damage to muscle and bone tissue surrounding the area.
Bleeding from a dog bite may be minimal or severe depending on how deep the wound is and what blood vessels are affected. Applying direct pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or bandage for at least 10 minutes can help control bleeding.
Swelling develops quickly as the tissues respond to the trauma of the bite. There will likely be significant inflammation and swelling within the first hour after the bite, which may get progressively worse over the next 24 hours as the body reacts to the injury. Elevating the affected limb can help minimize swelling.
Infection Risk After Dog Bites
Infections are a common complication of dog bites due to bacteria in a dog’s mouth. While the exact infection risk is not fully known, some studies estimate that between 15-20% of dog bite wounds become infected.
Certain types of dogs and dog bite wounds carry a higher risk of infection than others. Breeds of dogs with very strong bites that cause puncture wounds or tears in the skin, like pit bulls, have a higher risk of infection. Additionally, any wound that is not properly cleaned and irrigated after a dog bite is at increased risk of infection.
Signs that a dog bite has become infected include:
- Increasing pain, swelling, warmth, or redness around the wound
- Pus or cloudy discharge from the wound
- Foul odor coming from the wound
- Red streaks extending from the wound
- Fever, chills, and flu-like symptoms
Seeking prompt medical attention for any of these warning signs is crucial, as infected dog bites can rapidly progress to more serious conditions like abscesses, cellulitis, or blood poisoning if left untreated.
Different Types of Infections
The most common infections that can occur after a dog bite are bacterial, viral, and fungal. However, the type of infection depends on several factors.
Bacterial infections are the most frequent complication of dog bites. Dogs’ mouths contain bacteria that can cause local wound infections or even systemic infections in some cases. Common bacteria include Pasteurella, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Capnocytophaga, and others. Without proper wound care and antibiotics, the infection can spread quickly.
Viral infections are less common but can occur if the dog is a carrier. The main viral concern is rabies, which causes neurological symptoms and can be fatal. However, the rabies virus is only transmitted through the saliva of infected animals. If the dog shows no signs of rabies, this risk is extremely low.
Fungal infections mainly involve yeast organisms and occur in immunocompromised individuals. However, fungal infections are relatively rare after a dog bite.
Overall, most infections involve normal bacteria found in a dog’s mouth entering the wound site. Proper post-bite care greatly reduces the infection risks.
When to Seek Medical Care
Within the first 24 hours after a dog bite, it’s important to monitor the wound for signs of infection or other complications that require medical attention. Here are some key signs to watch out for:
Excessive bleeding that doesn’t stop after 10-15 minutes of applied pressure indicates a more serious wound that needs stitches or other treatment. Bleeding that soaks through bandages is also a red flag to get prompt care.
Increasing redness, warmth, swelling or pus around the injured area can suggest infection is brewing. Cellulitis or abscesses may form and require antibiotics or draining.
Joint or muscle stiffness, fever or chills could mean sepsis, a body-wide infection that needs emergency treatment. Monitor temperature and watch for flu-like achiness.
Numbness, tingling or bluish appearance in fingers or toes warrants immediate medical attention, as this may indicate nerve or vascular damage needing repair.
Immunocompromised individuals, as well as those with diabetes, cirrhosis or asplenia have a higher risk of infections from dog bites and should seek care quickly.
When in doubt, it’s always best to consult a doctor, especially if bite symptoms seem to worsen or fail to improve within 24 hours. Prompt medical care can help avoid long-term complications.
Tetanus Shot
If the dog bite breaks the skin, there is some risk of tetanus infection. Tetanus is caused by a bacteria found in dirt that can enter the body through wounds. It leads to painful muscle tightening and spasms. The tetanus vaccine prevents this potentially serious complication.
Your doctor will likely recommend a tetanus booster if it’s been more than 5 years since your last vaccine. The shot contains inactivated tetanus toxoid. It prompts your immune system to produce antibodies against the tetanus bacteria.
Side effects are usually minimal. About half of people experience temporary soreness where the shot was given. Some may also have redness and swelling at the injection site. Serious allergic reactions are very rare.
Overall, the tetanus vaccine is quite safe and effective. It provides important protection against a potentially fatal condition after a dog bite. The benefits far outweigh the small risk of side effects.
Antibiotics
If an infection develops after a dog bite, a doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics. Some common antibiotics used for dog bites are amoxicillin-clavulanate (Augmentin), clindamycin, and cephalexin (Keflex). It’s important to take the full course as prescribed, even if the bite starts to look and feel better. Stopping antibiotics early can allow surviving bacteria to multiply again, potentially worsening the infection.
Different types of antibiotics work in various ways to fight infection:
- Amoxicillin-clavulanate – Penicillin-based antibiotic that also helps cover some antibiotic-resistant bacteria
- Clindamycin – Can be used if penicillin allergy; good for fighting anaerobic bacteria that thrive without oxygen
- Cephalexin – Cephalosporin antibiotic that fights a wide range of bacteria
Taking the antibiotics as prescribed is crucial, even after symptoms improve, to fully eliminate the bacteria causing infection. Skipping doses or stopping early can allow the strongest bacteria to survive and multiply.
Wound Care
Proper wound care is essential for preventing infection and promoting healing after a dog bite. Here are some tips for caring for the wound:
Cleaning: The wound should be gently cleaned with mild soap and water several times a day. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can damage tissue. Be sure to clean the skin around the wound as well. Pat dry with a clean towel.
Dressing: Apply antibiotic ointment to the wound, then cover it with a sterile bandage or gauze. Wrap additional gauze around the area to hold the dressing in place. Non-stick pads can help prevent the bandage from sticking to the wound.
Changing bandages: Change the bandage at least once a day, or whenever it becomes wet, dirty or loose. Carefully remove the old bandage, clean the wound again, apply more ointment and replace with a fresh bandage. Watch for signs of infection like pus, redness, swelling or increased pain.
Pain Management
Controlling pain is an important part of recovery after a dog bite. There are several options for managing pain depending on the severity of the bite:
Over-the-counter medications: For mild to moderate pain, OTC medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve) can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Follow dosage instructions carefully and avoid combining multiple NSAIDs.
Prescription medications: For more severe pain that isn’t well controlled by OTC meds, your doctor may prescribe stronger prescription painkillers like tramadol, hydrocodone, or oxycodone. These should be used cautiously under medical supervision due to risks of dependency.
Topical anesthetics like lidocaine cream or gel can also be applied directly to the wound area for localized pain relief. Some doctors may also administer a regional nerve block injection for significant bite injuries.
It’s important to balance pain control with allowing enough discomfort to limit use of the injured area to promote proper healing. Work closely with your doctor to find the right pain management approach.
Psychological Impact
Dog bites can lead to psychological trauma and lasting fear, even when the physical wounds have healed. Children tend to be especially vulnerable to developing psychological issues after a dog bite. Some common psychological impacts include:
Fear of Dogs
After being bitten, it’s natural for a person to become wary and afraid of dogs, even dogs they previously trusted. This fear can develop into a phobia that causes intense anxiety whenever dogs are present. Avoidance behaviors may also occur, such as refusing to go places where dogs might be.
Trauma and PTSD
Some people, especially children, develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a dog bite. Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, irritability, and emotional distress. These symptoms may not appear until weeks or months after the bite. Psychotherapy and counseling can help manage PTSD.
Loss of Trust
Being attacked by a trusted pet or a neighbor’s dog can damage a person’s ability to trust. This loss of trust can affect relationships with other dogs as well as damage a person’s sense of security. Rebuilding trust takes time and patience after a dog bite.