Bacteria And Germs In A Dog Bite

The case of dog bites is not uncommon. But it will be hard to get the compensation you deserve without hiring a dog bite lawyer. Dog bites not only cause pain and injury but, the bite can also spread germs that cause infection. That is why you need to use a lawyer to ensure that you get compensation for the medical treatment and loss you suffered due to the attack. Nearly 1 in 5 people who are bitten by dogs need medical treatment. Up to 18 percent of dog bites are infected by bacteria. More than 60 types of bacteria have been found in dogs’ mouths, but only a handful of these germs can make you sick.

– Pasteurella is a type of bacteria that is seen in more than half of infected dog bite wounds. Pasteurella generally causes painful red infections at the site of the bite but can cause more serious illness in people with weakened immune systems. There may also be swollen glands, swelling in the joints, and difficulty moving.

– MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a type of staph infection that is resistant to certain antibiotic groups. Dogs and other animals can carry MRSA without showing any symptoms, but the bacteria can cause infections of the skin, lungs and urinary tract in humans. In some people, MRSA can spread to the bloodstream or lungs and cause life-threatening infections.

– Tetanus is a poison produced by a type of bacteria called Clostridium tetani. This toxin causes stiff paralysis in humans and can be a problem in deep bite wounds.

Although you can provide first aid for dog bites at home, it is very important to see a doctor immediately. This is especially true if the dog is biting, the bite is deep, you can’t stop the bleeding, or there are signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth, pus). So, make sure to treat the wound and take legal action for the attack.