1. The Immediate Physical Impact: What to Expect Right Away

The initial signs of a dog bite vary depending on the severity of the incident, the location of the wound, and the size and health of the dog. The most common symptoms that appear right after a bite include:

• Pain and Redness: An immediate, sharp pain is felt in the affected area, which is typically accompanied by redness around the wound.
• Swelling: The area around the bite may swell due to tissue trauma, internal bleeding, or inflammation. Swelling can also be an early indicator of a developing infection.
• Bleeding: Depending on the depth of the bite and whether blood vessels were damaged, bleeding can range from minor oozing to severe, continuous blood loss.
• Bruising: Impact from the bite can crush tissue and cause blood to collect under the skin, resulting in noticeable bruising around the wound.
• Tissue Damage: The force of the bite and the shape of the dog’s teeth can cause various types of damage, including tears, cuts (lacerations), deep puncture wounds, or even a complete loss of tissue.
• Sensory Loss: If the bite is deep enough to damage nerves, the individual may experience numbness, tingling, or a total loss of sensation in the affected area.

While these initial injuries are immediately apparent, a more serious and hidden danger often follows: the risk of infection.