Dogs are the most popular pet in the United States, with around 50 million households possessing a canine companion. Generally, they make good companions and are friendly to visitors.
Nonetheless, some dogs are more protective than others and they may have even been trained to attack intruders. Occasionally, dogs may bite simply because they are scared.
While dog bites are extremely rare, they happen often enough to warrant careful consideration. The wound from a dog bite can be serious enough, but even if it is not, there are some further complications to look out for. Outlined below are a few examples.
Infections
If you’ve been bitten and the wound is not healing, then it may be infected. If you notice oozing or redness on the site of the wound, you may have contracted capnocytophaga. Not only can this condition cause severe pain, but it may also cause your body temperature to soar as well as suffer symptoms such as chronic headaches.
Nerve damage
In some cases, you may notice a loss of sensation after a dog bite. Dog bites commonly affect the hands and feet, which are sensitive areas full of nerve endings. If you feel a tingling sensation in these areas, or they are no longer sensitive to the touch, or hot and cold water, this could be a sign that you have nerve damage. Nerve damage can often be repaired through surgery but in severe cases, the damage might be permanent.
If you’ve suffered a dog bite injury due to the negligence of the owner, then you may be entitled to legal compensation for your injuries. Having a knowledgeable party behind you will give you the best chance of obtaining some kind of justice.