By John Arthur 
San Antonio is one of the largest cities in the U.S., with a population of over 1.4 million people. That’s a lot of people, and a lot of dogs, because nearly half of Texas households own at least one dog. San Antonio has had a lot of problems with stray dogs, too, especially on the West Side and South Side. Animal control officers in San Antonio are frequently called to pick up stray or loose dogs.
In 2023, San Antonio reported 289 severe dog bite cases requiring hospitalization. Treatment costs for dog bite injuries exceed $200 million annually in the United States.
it is important to be aware of these risks, as many people do not consider them until an incident occurs. In such cases, victims often seek medical treatment immediately and may also consult a dog bite injury in San Antonio to understand their legal options because they need doctors and maybe even lawyers to deal with what happened.
Dog bites are often underestimated, but their teeth can puncture skin, muscles, and in severe cases, even bone.
Main Types of Injuries Caused by Dog Bites
Here are the most common injuries dog bite victims usually face:
Puncture Wounds
This occurs when a dog’s tooth punctures the skin, creating a deep wound. These are dangerous because the hole can look small on the outside, but it can go deep inside your tissue. That’s how bacteria can get trapped in there, and it can cause infections that spread.
In some cases, a fragment of the tooth may break off and remain embedded in the wound, increasing the risk of infection.
Facial Injuries
Many dog bite injuries involve the face, particularly in children. That’s because kids are shorter and their faces are closer to the dog’s mouth. Injuries to the face can leave scars that last forever, and that can be traumatizing in more ways than one.
Victims may require reconstructive surgery, often involving multiple procedures, to repair facial damage.
Eye Injuries
If a dog bite or scratch affects the eye area, it can damage the eyeball or eye socket, potentially leading to vision impairment or even blindness. If the dog made any attempt on your eye, see a doctor as soon as you can to prevent it from getting worse.
Allergic Reactions
Some individuals are allergic to proteins in dog saliva. If exposed through a bite, this can cause swelling, difficulty breathing, or in severe cases, anaphylaxis.
Scarring and Disfigurement
Even after the wound heals, permanent scarring may occur, particularly on visible areas such as the face, neck, or arms. These scars can significantly affect a person’s self-esteem. This is why some victims pursue cosmetic surgery or skin grafts to reduce the appearance of scars.
Key takeaways
- Always take a dog bite seriously and get medical help right away.
- Dog bites can cause puncture wounds, facial injuries and scars, eye injuries, allergic reactions, and disfigurement.
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