Dog and cat bites can be very dangerous if they get infected. This will happen to a certain percentage of dog and cat bites every year, and studies have found that cat bites are slightly more likely to get infected. But either one can be problematic and each incident is unique.
Part of the issue is that these bites are often puncture wounds. The teeth push bacteria and other debris down into the wound, where it can become trapped. If the wound is not cleaned out properly after the bite, then an infection may set in. This could make the injury much more severe than it was initially.
What an infection may look like
If you do have an infected bite, one of the most important things to look for is that your symptoms are progressively getting worse. If there is no infection, you should see a general trend of wound healing, which includes things like decreased pain or decreased swelling.
But with an infection, the symptoms tend to get worse. Swelling and pain may increase, red streaks may move away from the bite mark and the bite may even begin to leak pus or other fluid. You may feel stiffness or have difficulty moving, especially if the bite is on an arm or leg. As an infection gets even more severe, you may notice symptoms like the onset of a fever or chills.
An infected bite is something that you must take seriously, so it’s wise to know when it’s time for medical intervention. If the injury was due to the pet owner’s negligence, you may be able to seek compensation for these medical bills and other costs.