Many animal bites, including dog and cat bites, are puncture wounds with an elevated risk of infection. Because they are so deep, even if the surface area of the wound looks small, bacteria can be pushed down into the wound and cause an infection.
This type of infection can be very serious, and it may be necessary to seek emergency medical attention. So how do you know if the bite has become infected?
The symptoms get worse
The first thing to consider is whether your symptoms are getting worse over time. For instance, if your pain is worse 24 hours after the bite, rather than better, that can be a sign of infection. Other warning signs may include:
- Swelling around the wound
- Stiffness or warmth to the touch
- Increased tenderness or pain
- Red streaks under the skin, leading away from the wound
- Difficulty moving a nearby joint, such as trouble bending your arm if the bite is near the elbow
Finally, you could develop symptoms of illness, such as a fever. These symptoms may also worsen over time. You might start experiencing night sweats or chills, and your elevated temperature may persist even if you take medication. A fever is your body trying to fight off the infection, making it a clear indication that the issue is more serious than a simple bite.
Seeking financial compensation
If a dog bite does become infected, it can lead to significant pain and suffering, along with high medical bills, lost wages and more. It is important to understand how you can seek financial compensation if the dog’s owner was negligent. Work with an experienced injury attorney who can help you seek compensation.
[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]/wp-content/uploads/sites/1404353/2026/02/michael-gaarder-injury-attorney.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]Saint Cloud attorney, Michael Gaarder, handles personal injury cases for clients throughout Central Minnesota. He can guide you and your family through the legal process. If you’ve been injured by a dog or domestic animal, contact us for a free consultation.[/author_info] [/author]