Can you get an Infection from dog bite?

Yes, you can get an infection from dog bite—and it can become serious if not treated quickly. These infections aren’t just a minor inconvenience. They can lead to hospitalization, long-term health issues, and costly medical bills. Every year, thousands of Americans face painful and sometimes life-threatening complications from dog bites, and plenty of those cases happen right here in St. Louis. We’ve seen firsthand how these injuries disrupt daily life. People miss work, rack up medical expenses, and struggle with anxiety long after the bite. At Burger Law , we don’t just understand the legal process—we understand what you’re going through. That’s why we fight hard for dog bite victims and ensure they get the support and compensation they deserve. Knowing your legal options can make all the difference if you’re dealing with a minor wound or a serious infection.

Dog bite infections

Prevalence

Dog bites aren’t just painful—they can turn dangerous fast. Infections typically occur when bacteria or viruses enter the body through a break in the skin, such as a puncture wound caused by a dog’s teeth. 10 to 15 percent of dog bites lead to infection . That figure becomes even more alarming when considering how common dog bites are nationwide. When a bite goes untreated or isn’t properly cleaned, the risk of infection skyrockets. Harmful bacteria from the dog’s saliva or the surrounding skin can travel deep into tissue or even the bloodstream, causing infections that may spread rapidly. Many people don’t realize that some of these infections can also be passed to others—particularly in close-contact households. This makes it even more important to act quickly.

In Missouri, emergency rooms regularly see patients with infected dog bite wounds. Some folks even end up hospitalized, especially if they waited too long to get care. Kids and seniors tend to face the highest risk.

Types of infections

An infection from a dog bite usually comes from bacteria in the dog’s mouth. Once those bacteria get under your skin, they can cause real problems. Common culprits include:

• Capnocytophaga : This bacterium doesn’t always cause symptoms, but when it does, it can lead to serious illness, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems. It spreads quickly and may cause fever, vomiting, or even organ failure in rare cases.
• Rabies : While it’s rare in vaccinated animals, rabies remains extremely dangerous. Without timely post-exposure treatment, it’s almost always fatal. The virus affects the nervous system and can lead to hallucinations, paralysis, and death.
• Pasteurella : This common bacterial infection is found in more than half of dog bite wounds. It often leads to swelling, tenderness, and pus discharge. Left untreated, it can spread to bones and joints, requiring more intensive care.
• Staph and Strep bacteria : These bacteria can enter deep tissue through a bite wound, causing cellulitis, abscesses, or sepsis. Infections can progress rapidly and, in extreme cases, become life-threatening without immediate medical intervention.

Want to dig into the science behind dog bite infections? The Environmental Literacy Council breaks it down.

Symptoms

If you’ve been bitten, don’t brush it off or wait to see what happens. Infections can develop faster than most people realize—typically within one to three days after the bite. Being aware of early warning signs can make a real difference in how your recovery goes. Keep an eye out for:

• Redness or swelling around the bite that worsens over time
• Discharge, pus, or fluid seeping from the wound
• A warm or throbbing sensation near the injury site
• Chills, body aches, or a sudden onset of fever
• Ongoing fatigue or muscle soreness that doesn’t seem to improve

These symptoms could signal that bacteria have taken hold beneath the surface, potentially spreading through your body. If any of these signs appear, don’t delay—get medical help immediately . A quick response can prevent a minor issue from becoming something much more serious. Infections aren’t just uncomfortable—they can become dangerous, especially if they enter your bloodstream or go untreated.

Consequences

Ignoring an infected bite is risky. Things can snowball quickly:

• Cellulitis : This painful bacterial skin infection spreads rapidly, especially when untreated. It often begins with redness and swelling and can escalate to deeper tissue damage, requiring antibiotics or even hospitalization in more severe cases.
• Sepsis : This life-threatening condition occurs when your body overreacts to an infection. It can lead to widespread inflammation, tissue damage, and organ failure. Quick medical intervention is essential to avoid dangerous outcomes.
• Permanent nerve damage or disfigurement : If the infection spreads or damages tissues near nerves, victims may face lasting numbness, tingling, or even partial paralysis in the affected area, along with scarring that can alter appearance and mobility.
• Loss of function in the affected limb: Infections can severely impair muscle and joint performance. Depending on how deeply the infection spreads, victims may experience long-term loss of movement, strength, or flexibility.

And let’s not forget the mental toll. Many people feel shaken up or anxious long after the physical wounds have healed.

What to do Immediately after a dog bite

Not sure what to do after being bitten? Here’s your go-to checklist:

• Rinse the wound with soap and warm water as soon as possible. This helps flush out bacteria that may have entered and reduces your chances of developing a serious infection.
• Apply pressure using a clean cloth or bandage to stop any bleeding. Maintaining control over bleeding also helps prevent the wound from becoming more vulnerable to outside contaminants.
• Use antibiotic ointment , like Neosporin, on the wound before covering it with a sterile bandage. This step protects the bite and helps prevent bacterial infections from developing.
• Get medical help , even if the wound looks minor. A healthcare provider can evaluate the bite properly and may recommend a tetanus booster or prescribe antibiotics.
• Gather details about the dog, such as its breed, vaccination history, and the name and contact info of its owner. This info may become vital during your legal or medical process.
• File a report with local animal control or the St. Louis County Health Department. Reporting helps protect others, documents the incident, and may uncover a history of prior aggressive behavior.

Snap a few pictures of your injury and jot down exactly what happened. It’ll help big time if you end up filing a claim.

Missouri’s Legal Framework on Dog Bites

Strict Liability Law

Missouri keeps it straightforward. If a dog bites someone without provocation, the owner is on the hook —no need to prove they were careless or the dog had a history of aggression.

Exceptions

But not every situation qualifies. Here’s where things can get tricky:

• The person bitten was trespassing
• The dog was provoked
• The dog was defending its owner or property

These exceptions don’t always apply, but they’re worth knowing if you’re exploring your legal options.

Statute of limitations

You’ve got five years from the date of the bite to file a claim in Missouri. That said, waiting isn’t your friend. Evidence fades, and memories blur. The sooner you act, the better your case.

How a Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help You

Filing a claim after a dog bite may seem straightforward, but in reality, it often comes with unexpected legal hurdles and complex insurance negotiations. That’s where our legal team steps in. We don’t just fill out paperwork—we dig into the details, build strong cases, and advocate aggressively for our clients. Here’s what we bring to the table:

• Show who’s responsible by collecting evidence like medical records, photos, witness statements, and expert opinions that establish the dog’s owner’s liability.
• Interpret Missouri law , breaking down how local statutes apply to your specific case so you understand your rights and legal options every step of the way.
• Take on insurance companies that often try to minimize payouts. We push back hard to ensure you’re not left covering expenses that aren’t your fault.
• Get compensation for more than just hospital bills. We fight for lost income, long-term medical needs, emotional trauma, and every dollar you’re legally entitled to.

We’ve helped countless St. Louis clients get the justice they deserve. You don’t have to navigate this on your own—we’re here to carry the legal burden for you.

Burger Law is the right choice for you.

When your health, finances, and peace of mind are on the line, you need a law firm that doesn’t back down. At Burger Law , we’ve fought for dog bite victims across Missouri and delivered real results. We treat every client like family and every case like it matters—because it does.

Ready to get legal help after a dog bite?

Talk to a St. Louis dog bite attorney who is ready to fight for you. Our experienced legal team is ready to stand by your side, offering skilled guidance, clear communication, and a deep understanding of Missouri dog bite laws. We’re available, and your consultation is free—no obligation or pressure. If you or a loved one is dealing with the painful and potentially serious aftermath of an infection from a dog bite, don’t wait until things get worse. Contact us today at (314) 500-HURT and discuss how we can help you move forward.

Gary Burger

Founder | Injury Attorney
Gary Burger has dedicated his career to standing up against bullies. The founder and principal attorney of Burger Law | St. Louis Personal Injury Lawyer has helped hundreds of Missouri and Illinois individuals and families recover th …
Years of experience: 30 years
Location: St. Louis, MO

Chat With Us