Dog bites are more than just painful—they can be dangerous to your health in ways most people don’t realize. Can a dog bite make you sick? Yes, and in some cases, the effects can be life-threatening. At Dhanjan Car Accident and Injury Lawyers of Fresno, we’ve seen how serious the aftermath of a bite can be—not just physically, but medically and legally as well. Speak to a Fresno dog bite lawyer if you need legal support.

Can a Dog Bite Make You Sick? Understanding the Real Health Risks

Can a dog bite make you sick? Yes, a dog bite can lead to illness. When teeth pierce the skin, bacteria from the dog’s mouth can enter the body, creating an ideal environment for infection. Even a shallow wound isn’t off the hook.

Nearly 20% of dog bite victims require medical attention, often due to infection-related complications. Without proper care, some bites may result in severe conditions that escalate quickly. Taking the health risks seriously from the start is essential to avoid long-term consequences.

Why Dog Bites Can Cause Illness

Here’s what happens beneath the surface of a dog bite:

• Oral Bacteria: Just like humans, dogs naturally carry bacteria in their mouths. When a bite pierces the skin, that bacteria can be introduced deep into soft tissue.
• Infection Risk: Any time the skin is broken, there’s a chance of infection—but dog bites are particularly risky due to the unique types of bacteria they transmit.
• Potential for Severe Disease: In rare cases, dog bites can expose victims to serious diseases like rabies or tetanus, both of which can be fatal without prompt treatment.

Visit: How to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in California

Common Illnesses and Diseases from Dog Bites

Several infections are associated with dog bites. Some of the most common include:

• Pasteurellosis: A frequent result of dog bites, causing redness, swelling, and tenderness near the wound.
• Staph (Staphylococcal) Infections: These can lead to painful skin infections and, if untreated, may spread to other body parts.
• Capnocytophaga: Though relatively rare, this bacterium can be especially dangerous for those with weakened immune systems and may lead to serious complications like sepsis.
• Tetanus: A deep bite can allow this bacterium to enter the body, potentially causing muscle stiffness and paralysis.
• Rabies: While rare in domestic pets in the U.S., rabies remains a serious viral risk that affects the central nervous system.

Signs of Infection After a Dog Bite You Shouldn’t Ignore

Even if the bite seems minor, symptoms of infection may develop in the hours or days following the incident. If these symptoms appear, seek medical care immediately to prevent serious complications. 

Watch for:

• Redness, swelling, or warmth at the bite site.
• Pus, cloudy fluid, or blisters around the wound.
• Fever, chills, or body aches.
• Red streaks radiate from the area.

What to Do Immediately After a Dog Bite

Knowing what to do in the moment can make all the difference:

1. Clean the wound thoroughly: Rinse it with soap and water for several minutes to reduce bacteria.
2. Apply antibiotic ointment: Over-the-counter topical antibiotics can help prevent early infection.
3. Cover the wound: Use a sterile bandage to protect it from dirt or further exposure.
4. Seek medical care: Even if the bite seems small, a doctor can assess the risk and decide if antibiotics, a tetanus shot, or further treatment is needed.
5. Document and report: Take photos, collect contact info from the dog’s owner, and report the incident to local animal control.

Medical follow-up is also important. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics or schedules a follow-up, follow through. Infections don’t always respond immediately, and monitoring is critical.

Legal Rights of Dog Bite Victims in California

California Civil Code §3342 imposes strict liability on dog owners for bites that occur in public or when the victim is lawfully on private property. This means victims don’t have to prove the dog had a history of aggression or that the owner was negligent—the fact that the bite occurred is enough to establish liability.

Injured individuals may seek compensation for:

• Emergency and ongoing medical treatment.
• Lost wages due to missed work.
• Physical pain and psychological impact.
• Long-term care for infections or scarring.

Even a single bite that leads to medical treatment can warrant legal action. These laws exist to protect you, not just from the bite itself, but from the costs that follow.

Talk to a Fresno Dog Bite Lawyer About Your Case

Call Dhanjan Car Accident and Injury Lawyers of Fresno today at (559) 342-2000. We’ll walk you through your options, answer your questions, and help you take the next step toward recovery. Schedule your free initial consultation today.