How Long Does It Take a Dog Bite To Heal?
If you were bitten by a dog and the injury was bad enough to break the skin, you need to take care of the injury as best you can and keep an eye on it while it heals.
Most people will notice a dog bite become close to fully healed within 10 days of the animal attack. Deeper bites will take longer, though, and require initial medical attention, such as stitches or even surgery in more severe cases.
Signs You May Need Medical Help While Your Dog Bite Heals
As a dog bite heals, check to see if there are signs of excessive:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Sensitivity to touch
- Or wound drainage
Slight amounts of these symptoms are usually normal, though. Mild amounts of pain are also normal in the first few days of the healing process, especially when the bitten body part is moving or being used. If pain or any of the aforementioned symptoms are moderate to severe, then you should go to urgent care for assistance.
What You Can Expect After Being Treated for a Dog Bite
Your treating physician will probably prescribe you a basic antibiotics regimen like amoxicillin. The likelihood of an antibiotic prescription will increase if you cannot identify the dog, or if your bite wound requires stitches.
Rabies and Dog Bites
Lastly, seek immediate medical attention after a dog bite if you have any reason to believe the dog was rabid. Symptoms of rabies in dogs usually include heightened aggression and excessive drooling
If there is a risk that you have encountered a rabid dog, then the treating physician will administer a rabies shot. Rabies can be fatal if untreated, so see a doctor within 24 hours of any dog bite that breaks the skin when the dog could have been rabid.
Suing for a Painful Dog Bite
If you have been bitten by a dog, then you should speak with a local dog bite lawyer about the potential of filing a claim. Even moderate dog bites can sometimes constitute the need for a claim or lawsuit if the pain caused is severe. The emotional traumatization of a dog attack can also warrant a claim, but you should talk to an experienced dog bite lawyer to figure out your options.
Dog bite victims in New Hampshire can come to Upton & Hatfield, LLP for reliable legal assistance and representation. Contact us today for more information or to schedule a free case evaluation.