Why You Should Seek Medical Care for Every Dog Bite

 Posted on January 12, 2026 in Premises Liability

Dog bites are common enough that they sometimes seem like no big deal. Yes, you got bitten, but it wasn’t bad. Maybe there wasn’t even blood!

As reasonable as this line of thinking may seem, you should get every dog bite checked out by a medical professional. According to DogsBite.org, the rate of national dog bite-related ED visits rose 15 percent in recent years. Even if a dog bite seems small, getting medical care right away is important for your health. If the bite ends up being serious, it’s also important for your legal options.

In 2026, Illinois will continue to rank among the states with the highest number of dog bite incidents and payouts in the nation. If you have been bitten by a dog, our Cook County personal injury lawyers can help you understand your options and protect your rights.

What Are the Medical Risks of Dog Bites?

Even minor dog bites can lead to serious health problems. When a dog's teeth break your skin, bacteria from the dog's mouth can enter your body and cause an infection. Dog mouths contain many types of bacteria, including Pasteurella multocida and Staphylococcus aureus. These two types of bacteria are found in 20 to 30 percent of infected dog bite wounds.

Puncture wounds are especially dangerous because they may look small on the surface but can be deep. These wounds can close quickly, trapping bacteria inside your body where infections can develop. Bites to your hands, feet, face, or neck carry higher infection risks and can lead to more serious complications.

Some of the medical complications that can develop from untreated dog bites include:

• Bacterial infections that spread through your bloodstream

• Tetanus, a serious infection that affects your nervous system

• Rabies, which is almost always fatal if not treated immediately

• Nerve damage that can cause long-term numbness or weakness

• Sepsis,  a life-threatening reaction to infection

• Deep tissue infections that may require surgery

• Permanent scarring or disfigurement

Early medical treatment can prevent many of these costly and dangerous complications. Some people are also at greater risk for complications from dog bites. These include children, elderly people, diabetics, anyone taking medication that suppresses their immune system, people with prosthetics or implanted medical devices, or anyone who has had their spleen removed.

What Should You Do After a Dog Bite?

If a dog bites you, take these steps right away:

Control any bleeding by applying direct pressure with a clean cloth.

Then, wash the wound with soap and warm water for at least three to five minutes. This helps remove bacteria and reduces your infection risk.

Seek medical attention.

You should see a doctor or go to an urgent care center as soon as possible, especially if the bite broke your skin, occurred on your face, hands, or feet, is near a joint, or if you are in one of the high-risk groups listed above.

Report the incident to local animal control or police.

This creates an official record and helps protect others from the same dog. Try to get information about the dog, including whether it is current on its rabies vaccination.

Take photographs of your injuries and any torn clothing.

Keep records of all medical treatment you receive. These documents are important if you need to file a legal claim. Write down everything you remember about the incident now. It can be surprisingly difficult to remember what happened later. 

Does Immediate Medical Care for Dog Bites Really Matter That Much?

Getting medical care right after a dog bite can make a major difference in your recovery. Medical professionals can properly clean and treat the wound, reducing your risk of infection. Wounds treated within six hours of the injury have the best chance of healing without complications.

During your medical visit, a doctor will examine the wound and determine what treatment you need. This may include cleaning the wound to remove bacteria, prescribing antibiotics to prevent or treat infection, evaluating whether you need rabies treatment, stitching the wound if needed, and, importantly, documenting your injuries for legal purposes.

Medical documentation is critical if you decide to pursue a legal claim against the dog owner. Under the Illinois Animal Control Act, dog owners are liable for injuries their dogs cause to people who are legally on public or private property. This means the owner is responsible for your injuries even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.

Call a Cook County, Illinois Personal Injury Attorney Today

Illinois law provides strong protection for dog bite victims. A dog bite may entitle you to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, our Barrington, IL dog bite lawyers at Barrington Injury Attorneys can help you understand your options and fight for the compensation you deserve. We know how Illinois dog bite law works in 2026 and can guide you through every step of the process. Contact us at 224-900-HURT today to schedule your free initial consultation.