It’s understandable that being bitten by a dog can be a terrifying experience for anyone, so it’s common for people who were attacked as children to develop a severe phobia of our canine friends as adults.
Almost no dogs will attack without provocation. Crossing paths with a needlessly aggressive hound that rips into human flesh would be a regrettable turn of events. Biting is always considered a last resort by frightened dogs. Additionally, Petful provides a helpful list of warning signs that any dog will display prior to lunging at you and preparing to use its razor-sharp teeth.
But if an accident is inevitable, it pays to be ready. This article will walk you through the aftermath of a dog bite, including how to move on with your day and whether the swelling is normal or cause for concern.
What About Rabies?
When it comes to bites from wild animals, rabies is the main worry. If rabies is goes untreated, it can lead to death. Tetanus is an extremely dangerous bacterial disease that affects the nervous system. If rabies is present, a tetanus shot should be given as emergency treatment to prevent a tragedy from this contagious disease. Initial symptoms of rabies are the following:
As the disease advances, a rabid person may experience:
In most cases, a dog bite will be nearly fully healed within 10 days of the animal attack. However, it will take longer and require initial medical care, such as stitches, for deeper bites.
Last but not least, if you have any reason to think the dog was rabid, get medical help right away if you were bitten by a dog. Dogs with rabies typically exhibit increased aggression and excessive drooling. The treating doctor will give you a rabies shot if there is a chance that you may have come into contact with a rabid dog. If a dog bites you and breaks the skin, you should see a doctor right away because rabies can be fatal if left untreated.
If a dog bit you and the bite was severe enough to break the skin, you should take care of the wound as best you can and monitor it as it heals.
Your treating physician will likely recommend an amoxicillin-based basic antibiotics regimen for you. If you are unable to identify the dog or need stitches for your bite wound, the likelihood of receiving an antibiotic prescription will rise.
Slight amounts these symptoms are usually normal, though. In the first few days of the healing process, minor discomfort is also typical, particularly when the bitten body part is moving or being used. You should visit an urgent care facility for assistance if your pain or any other symptoms are moderate to severe.
Why Do Dog Bites Swell?
As we’ve already mentioned, swelling is frequently a sign of dog bite infection. This is typically a response to the saliva in a dog’s mouth and teeth. This swelling will probably be more noticeable if you have an allergy, and it may also be accompanied by a number of other symptoms. Fortunately, swelling after a dog bite is completely normal on its own.
The response to a dog bite will not be significantly different from an insect bite, unless the canine that bit you has a medical condition or infection. The swelling should be minimal if the bite doesn’t cause the skin to split. Apply the necessary first aid if you experience bleeding after the attack, and then consult a healthcare provider if necessary.
FAQ
How long does it take for a dog bite swelling to go down?
Within 48 hours of receiving proper care for your dog bite, you ought to begin to feel better. Please seek medical attention as soon as you can if your symptoms don’t get better or get worse. It’s crucial to follow up with your doctor even if your treatment is going well to ensure the wound is healing properly.
Why is my dog bite still swollen?
Yes, swelling is typical after a dog bite, but it can also indicate an infection if it persists after the initial first aid. Dog bites can result in filthy, infected wounds.
How long should it take for a dog bite to heal?
A dog bite will typically recover within 10 to 14 days of the attack. However, serious dog bites may take longer to heal. If the dog bite was severe enough, you might need medical care, such as stitches or even surgery, to recover fully.
How do you tell if a dog bite is infected or healing?
- Blisters around the bite wound within hours of the bite.
- Redness, swelling, draining pus, or pain at the bite wound.
- Fever.
- Diarrhea and/or stomach pain.
- Vomiting.
- Headache and/or confusion.
- Muscle or joint pain.