Do you need to get a tetanus shot after a dog bite? You don’t have to get a tetanus shot after a dog bite. However, one clinic advises that receiving a tetanus vaccine, or ensuring that your tetanus vaccination is up to date, is typically a sensible precaution after being bitten by a dog. If your wound is unclean or your previous shot was over five years ago, your doctor may recommend a tetanus booster.
If a dog bites you, take precautions to avoid infection. Seek medical care and inform your doctor if you need clarification on when your previous tetanus injection was. After caring for your health, you can contact one of our attorneys and file a personal injury claim against the dog owner.
Determining Your Risk of Tetanus
Many people believe that the risk of tetanus infection develops after a puncture or cut wound containing metal. However, tetanus can be a possibility following a dog bite.
Tetanus doesn’t necessarily happen due to a dog bite that cuts the skin. Nonetheless, because tetanus is so easily prevented with a booster shot, doctors frequently advise dog bite patients to update their tetanus boosters, mainly to be cautious.
Tetanus Incubation Period
Another reason doctors advise dog bite victims to get a tetanus booster shot as soon as possible because the illness has a variable incubation time.
A tetanus infection usually manifests itself within 14 days following the wound, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, some people have symptoms within a day, while others might not notice symptoms over several months. Doctors may treat dog bite patients with the booster rather than leave the tetanus bacteria untreated inside the body for weeks until symptoms appear—unless they had a vaccine within the previous ten years.
Get Medical Attention For Dog Bite Wounds
Dogs get a different level of oral care than people. Their mouths can harbor hazardous bacteria, which can cause health problems following a bite. The following are some actions you should take, according to Healthline, to safeguard your health following a dog bite:
- Apply antibacterial lotion to your wound after cleaning it with soap and water.
- Cover the wound in a clean bandage.
- Keep an eye on the affected area because the severity of the effects of a dog bite might vary.
Other symptoms may indicate that your dog’s bite wound is severe. If the dog bites the wound, gets warm when touched, keeps bleeding, drips pus, is bloated or red, or shows visible muscle or bone, seek immediate medical attention.
Inquire about the dog’s shot history if possible. For more information, ask the owner for the contact information regarding their veterinarian. If the dog’s vaccines are outdated, you may be in danger of infection. If you have any questions regarding the dog’s immunization history, seek medical attention immediately.
What are the Symptoms of Tetanus?
Tetanus, also known as lockjaw, is a serious bacterial infection caused by Clostridium tetani. While tetanus is commonly associated with rusty objects, it can also be a concern after a dog bite or any wound that allows the bacteria to enter the body. In the context of a dog bite, the symptoms of tetanus can manifest in the following ways:
- Stiffness and Muscle Spasms: Tetanus often starts with muscle spasms and stiffness, usually beginning in the jaw and neck muscles. It can lead to difficulty opening the mouth (hence the term “lockjaw”) and affect facial muscles.
- Muscle Rigidity: As the infection progresses, muscle rigidity can spread to other body parts, making movements painful and difficult.
- Fever and Sweating: Fever and excessive sweating are common symptoms of tetanus, often accompanied by rapid heart rate and high blood pressure.
It’s important to note that the symptoms of tetanus can vary in severity, and they typically develop within a week to several weeks after the bacterial infection enters the body. If you or someone you know experiences a dog bite or any other wound and is concerned about tetanus, seeking immediate medical attention is crucial.
How do I know if I have an infection?
Taking care of dog bite injuries helps to prevent infection. However, if you detect either of the following symptoms, you may require antibiotics to avoid complications:
- Redness and swelling around the wound
- Difficulty in moving the afflicted area
- Warmth around the site
- Pain that lasts over 24 hours or worsens
- Drainage from the bite location
Untreated infections can spread to other body parts, causing shaking, fever, and night sweats.
Dog Bite Infections Might Be Serious And Lead To Health Complications
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), capnocytophaga is a dangerous infection that can arise from a dog bite. According to the CDC, nearly three out of every ten people who acquire a severe infection die, emphasizing the importance of being bitten by a dog.
Other probable effects of capnocytophaga infection, according to the CDC, are:
- Affected limb amputation
- Fever
- Headache
- Heart attack
- Stomach pain
- Kidney failure
- Gangrene
- Pain in joints and muscles
Other unpleasant and perhaps dangerous symptoms may result from a dog bite infection. Because dog bites may have major health implications, dog owners must always keep their pets confined. If they don’t, they can be liable for the harm.
What should I do if a dog bites me?
Wash the wound as quickly as possible after a dog bite accident to reduce the possibility of infection.
Suppose the wound appears mild. Clean it with warm water and soap. Flush the affected area with lukewarm water to remove any bacteria. Wrap the bite using a bandage and apply antibiotic cream.
Apply pressure using gauze or a clean, dry towel to stop bleeding from severe wounds.
You must also seek medical assistance immediately and within eight hours following the incident.
Although washing the wound removes some bacteria from the body and can aid in infection prevention, there is no assurance against consequences. A tetanus shot provides further protection from serious infection.
Most dog bite wounds stay exposed to healing, but stitches may be necessary for a sensitive location, such as your lips or face. A doctor will meticulously reconstruct major dog bite injuries to restore their natural appearance.
If you also need help getting compensation based on your dog bite or dog attack case, a dog bite attorney will be the best option for anyone in these cases.
Recoverable Dog Bite Compensation in Nevada
Dog owners must exercise control over their pets; if they’re not, they may be liable for damages. Local laws in the state may also specify rules for dog leashing and control, and noncompliance with these laws may result in fines and other penalties for negligent dog owners.
A lawyer from our firm can assist you in pursuing any compensation you are entitled to as a dog bite victim, such as financial compensation for:
- The price of shots, like a tetanus shot
- The cost of medical services for cleaning, sterilizing, stitching, and wrapping your wound.
- Lost income as a result of having to stay at home to heal from the dog bite injuries
- Psychological trauma treatment related to an attack
- Transportation costs if you’re unable to drive due to your injuries.
- Permanent scarring, disability, or disfigurement
- Past and future suffering and pain
The dog owner might be liable for the dog bite injuries and losses. We can assemble evidence to establish that the owner is liable.
How Our Lawyers Can Assist You With a Dog Bite Injury Claim
A lawyer from our firm can handle every phase of your personal injury lawsuit. We may represent you in settlement discussions or at a trial to get a judgment. In addition, your lawyer may do the following:
- Gather evidence
- Defend your rights
- File all the needed paperwork
- Determine your losses
- Ensure that your lawsuit gets settled
- Advice you about the legal process
We can take care of your legal requirements so that you can concentrate on getting better.
Our Attorneys Will Work to Establish Negligence
A personal injury claim is based on negligence. Your lawyer will attempt to establish that the responsible dog owner, as well as any other relevant parties, were negligent by:
- Showing that the owner of the dog owes you a responsibility of care to keep you safe from their dog’s harmful behavior
- Proving that the owner failed to protect you against their dog and hence breached their responsibility of care to you
- Showing how the dog bite caused your damage
We will use evidence to prove negligence. We can gather evidence from various ways to prove that the dog attacked and bit you and, therefore, the owner is responsible.
The Statute Of Limitations Limits The Amount Of Time You Have To File A Lawsuit
The statute of limitations is an act that limits the amount of time you need for filing a lawsuit. These deadlines differ from state to state throughout the United States.
In Nevada, the Statute of Limitations for personal injury cases, like dog bite cases, is generally two years from the date of the incident. It means you have a maximum of two years from when a dog bit you to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries and damages. If you fail to file a lawsuit within this time frame, you may lose your right to pursue a legal claim for your injuries.
However, it’s important to note that legal situations can be complex, and exceptions or variations to the statute of limitations may apply based on specific circumstances. For example, if the victim is a minor (under 18 years of age), the statute of limitations may be tolled (paused) until they reach the age of majority.
It’s advisable to consult with an attorney specializing in personal injury law or dog bite cases in Nevada to get a series of information about the statute of limitations that applies to your situation. Legal professionals can guide you through the legal process, help you understand your rights, and ensure you take appropriate actions within the required timeframe.
If you need a dog bite attorney in the Las Vegas area, call our law office at (702) 364-2483.
Call Dog Bite King Law Group Today for Legal Help After a Dog Bite Injury
If you or someone from your family has suffered a dog bite injury, take the first step towards securing your rights and rightful compensation. Call Dog Bite King Law Group today for a comprehensive case evaluation.
Our experienced team understands the intricacies of dog bite cases and will work tirelessly to ensure you have the best chance at a successful outcome. We will guide you through the necessary steps to representing your interests. We are committed to achieving the best results for you.
With Dog Bite King Law Group by your side, you can trust that we will handle everything while you focus on your recovery. For a consultation, call us at (702) 364-2483.