While many people in Iowa look forward to a fun day playing outside for themselves and their children, the fun can be disrupted in the case of an animal bite or attack. Dog bites aren’t just painful. They can also spread dangerous germs that can lead to serious infections. In fact, a full 20 percent of people bitten by dogs need professional medical attention. While dogs are everywhere in the United States, and many households couldn’t imagine themselves without their furry companions, some dogs can be dangerous to others. This is especially true when their owners fail to properly train or supervise the animals.
There are over 60 different types of bacteria that live in dog mouths; however, most of these do not transfer easily to humans. Still, almost 18 percent of dog bites can become infected as a result. Some kinds of infections are more common after an animal bite. Rabies is one of the best-known and most serious illnesses that can be caused by a dog bite. While it is rare, once symptoms appear, there is no treatment, and rabies is always fatal. Vaccination can be critical to preventing rabies from developing.
A more common type of illness is caused by Pasteurella bacteria. This type of infection leads to a painful, red wound at the site of the injury. However, some people can develop swollen glands, joint problems and difficulty moving. In addition, dogs can also carry MRSA, a type of staph infection that cannot be treated with some kinds of antibiotics.
Dogs can pose a risk of biting, especially if they are mistreated or not handled properly by their owners. Dog bite victims who have suffered health consequences as a result can speak to a personal injury lawyer about receiving compensation for their damages, including lost wages and medical bills.