Dog Bite Infection Symptoms: Signs To Look Out For After a Dog Bite in California

You didn’t expect it. One moment, everything felt normal—then suddenly, teeth sank in. Whether it was a neighbor’s “friendly” dog or an off-leash animal that came out of nowhere, the bite left more than just broken skin. Pain, panic, and questions followed fast. Is the dog vaccinated against rabies? Could my wound get infected? Do I need a lawyer?

In California, dog owners are legally on the hook for bite injuries—even if the dog never acted aggressively before. But before you start thinking about claims or compensation, there’s something more urgent: your health. Infections from dog bites can set in fast—and they’re not always obvious at first.

Here’s how to recognize dog bite infection symptoms, protect your well-being, and understand your legal rights after a dog bite in California.

Why Dog Bite Infections Are So Common

Dog bites can carry bacteria deep beneath the skin through deep puncture wounds, especially if the bite comes from a dog with a strong jaw or history of aggression. Even if you only see a small mark, you could be at risk for serious infections like:

• Pasteurella
• Staphylococcus
• Streptococcus
• Capnocytophaga
• Rabies (rare in domestic dogs but possible if the dog’s vaccination history is unknown)

In rare cases, severe untreated infections may lead to complications such as sepsis or, in extreme instances, neurological damage.

Common Dog Bite Infection Symptoms

After a dog bite, watch for any of the following signs that could indicate an infection:

• Redness and swelling around the wound
• Warmth and tenderness to the touch
• Pus or drainage from the bite site
• Fever or chills
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Fatigue or weakness
• Pain that worsens over time

Infection can set in quickly—often within 24 to 72 hours—so don’t wait for symptoms to appear before seeing a doctor.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

You should never wait for symptoms to worsen before getting care. Seek medical attention right away if:

• The dog bite broke the skin, no matter how small
• You experience any of the symptoms listed above
• You haven’t had a tetanus shot in the last 5–10 years
• The dog appeared sick or was acting strangely
• You can’t confirm whether the dog was vaccinated
• You’re immunocompromised or have diabetes

Medical bills after a dog bite may be part of your personal injury claim, especially when a pet owner failed to secure a dangerous dog. Don’t risk long-term complications by delaying care.

Emotional and Psychological Effects of Dog Bites

Infections aren’t the only concern. Dog bite injury victims may experience lasting trauma such as:

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Emotional distress around other dogs
• Physical pain during recovery
• Anxiety about returning to the location where the bite occurred

If a child or family member is the dog bite victim, these effects can be even more severe. In California, emotional distress may be part of your personal injury claim as general damages—particularly when the attack involved a child or resulted in long-term trauma.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in California

A dog bite can cause more than just pain—it can lead to infection, emotional distress, and long-term medical needs. The steps you take immediately after the bite can directly affect your health, your recovery, and your ability to file a personal injury claim. Here’s what to do:

1. Get to a safe location.  Move away from the dog slowly. Avoid direct eye contact, which can escalate aggression. Do not run unless absolutely necessary.
2. Call 911 or get medical attention right away. If the bite is deep, bleeding heavily, or extremely painful, call 911. For less urgent cases, head to urgent care or to your doctor. Even minor-looking bites can become infected. Your medical records will also be important if you file a claim.
3. Clean the wound with soap and water. If you’re able, rinse the area thoroughly for several minutes. This helps reduce the risk of infection until a doctor can assess it.
4. Identify the dog and owner, if possible. If the dog’s owner is present, ask for their name, contact information, and the dog’s vaccination history—especially rabies. If the dog was loose or unaccompanied, write down a description and where the bite occurred. Share this information with your doctor so they can assess whether rabies post-exposure treatment is necessary.
5. Report the bite to animal control. Under 17 CCR § 2606(a), you’re legally required to report any dog bite that breaks the skin to your local animal control or health department. This requirement applies statewide, as all California counties are designated rabies areas. Reporting triggers a standard public health response—typically a 10-day quarantine to monitor the dog for rabies—and creates an official record that may support your injury claim.
6. Gather contact information and witness statements. Write down the dog owner’s name, the exact location of the incident, and names and contact information for any witnesses. This information can support your claim later.
7. Take photos as soon as you can. Photograph your injuries, where the bite occurred, and (if it’s safe) the dog. These photos can serve as evidence for your personal injury case or insurance claim.

Legal Rights Under California Dog Bite Laws

California holds dog owners strictly liable when dog bites occur, even if the animal has no history of aggression. That means you don’t have to prove the dog owner negligence to file a dog bite lawsuit if:

• You were lawfully on public property or on private property with permission
• The bite resulted in physical injuries

California Civil Code § 3342 clearly outlines that the dog owner is liable whether or not they knew the dog was dangerous.

You may be able to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Physical pain and emotional distress
• Future medical treatment or surgery

If you’re considering filing a dog bite injury claim, it’s important to document everything—from medical treatment to interactions with animal control or insurance companies.

Can You File a Personal Injury Claim After a Dog Bite?

Yes. If you’ve suffered serious injuries or developed an infection due to a dog bite, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim. Even a minor dog bite can justify a claim if you required medical treatment, lost time at work, or experienced emotional trauma.

Keep in mind:

• You generally have two years from the date of injury to file a claim under California law (California Code of Civil Procedure § 335.1).
• Insurance companies may offer settlements that don’t reflect the true cost of your recovery.
• You’ll need documentation to support your claim, including medical bills, treatment records, and proof of income loss.

If you’re dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite in Los Angeles or anywhere in Southern California, dog bite attorneys in Los Angeles can review your situation and explain your rights. Most offer a free consultation so you can learn whether you have a personal injury case worth pursuing.

Support for Dog Bite Victims in California

A dog bite can leave more than just physical scars. If you’re coping with infection, emotional distress, or the financial burden of medical care after an attack, you don’t have to face it all on your own. California law protects dog bite victims—and you have options.

At The Shamsi Law Firm, APC, we understand how overwhelming it can feel after a traumatic incident like this. With over 17 years of experience, Los Angeles dog bite attorney Sean Shamsi is here to listen to your story, assess your situation, and provide clear guidance on your next steps.

Whether the bite happened in your neighborhood or on someone else’s property, we’re here to make sure your voice is heard. There are no upfront costs, and your consultation is completely free and confidential.

Call us today at (818) 764-7640(818) 764-7640 or fill out our secure online form to speak with a compassionate legal team that’s ready to stand by your side. At The Shamsi Law Firm, APC, our personal injury lawyers in Los Angeles are here to help you regain control and move forward.

We’re here to support your recovery and protect your legal rights every step of the way.

Copyright © 2025. The Shamsi Law Firm, APC. All rights reserved.

The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

The Shamsi Law Firm, APC
13209 Saticoy St.
North Hollywood, CA 91605
(818) 764-7640(818) 764-7640
https://www.shamsilaw.com/