Signs of a dog bite infection
Watch the skin around the bite closely. Mayo Clinic's first-aid guide lists increasing swelling, skin color changes, pain or oozing as signs of infection.
- Swelling, redness or warmth that grows.
- Pus or oozing from the wound.
- Red streaks spreading out from the bite.
- Pain that gets worse instead of better.
- Fever, or blisters around the bite.
Swelling, pus or red streaks mean you see a provider at once. Do not wait to see if it settles down.
The timeline: 24 hours to 14 days
Any bite that breaks the skin needs a provider within 24 hours, even if it looks small. A bite on Monday morning needs a provider by Tuesday morning.
Most bite infections show within the first few days. One rare germ from dog mouths, Capnocytophaga, can take longer.
Watch for blisters around the bite for 14 days. The CDC says to contact a provider at once if they appear. Check the skin every day and take a photo of any change.
Antibiotics for high-risk bites
Doctors often give antibiotics to prevent infection in high-risk bites. These include puncture wounds, hand wounds and bites on people with weak immune systems.
Amoxicillin/clavulanate is the first choice, according to a review in American Family Physician. Your provider decides what fits you. Read more about dog bite treatment.
When to go to the ER
For serious bleeding, call 911 before you do anything else. Bleeding that will not stop after a few minutes is an emergency.
MedlinePlus lists these reasons to go to the emergency room or call your provider:
- The bite is on the head, face, neck, hands or feet.
- The bite is deep or large.
- You can see muscle or bone.
- The bleeding will not stop after a few minutes.
If someone else's dog bit you
An infection usually means more visits, more medicine and sometimes a scar. Those costs belong in the claim against the owner's insurance.
Keep every receipt, prescription label and photo. Then call us at (844) 703-3920 and we'll go through your claim for free.
Next: what to do after a dog bite, whether homeowners insurance pays, or dog bite laws in your state.