3. Long-Term Consequences: Beyond the Initial Wound

Severe bites can cause lasting damage that goes well beyond the surface-level injury, resulting in both permanent physical and deep psychological scars.

3.1. Lasting Physical Damage

The long-term physical effects of a dog bite can be debilitating and may include:

• Deep Tissue Damage: Bites can injure underlying structures, including muscles, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels. This type of damage can lead to a permanent loss of function or disability in the affected limb or area.
• Bone Fractures: The force of a severe bite can be strong enough to fracture bones, a risk that is especially high for children and elderly individuals whose bones may be more fragile.
• Permanent Scarring: Bites, particularly on highly visible areas like the face and hands, can leave permanent scars or cause deformities. These aesthetic changes can negatively impact an individual’s self-confidence and social interactions.

3.2. The Psychological Toll

The psychological impact of a traumatic dog bite can be profound and long-lasting, especially for children. The two most common conditions that may develop are:

• Cynophobia (Fear of Dogs): It is common for individuals to develop an intense and persistent fear of dogs following a traumatic bite incident.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): In more severe cases, individuals may develop PTSD. Key symptoms in this context include recurring nightmares about the event, heightened anxiety, panic attacks, and the avoidance of places or situations that trigger memories of the attack.

While these physical and psychological scars are significant, the most urgent and life-threatening concern following a bite from an unknown dog is the risk of rabies.