For any number of reasons, dogs may bite. Such attacks may cause minor to serious damage to the skin, tendons and ligaments, and bones.

Due to the germs and bacteria present in their mouths, dog bites may also result in serious infections, such as capnocytophaga infections.

How is Capnocytophaga spread?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dog bites or close contact with dogs may spread Capnocytophaga germs from canines to humans. A normal bacteria found in dogs’ mouths, under the right conditions, capnocytophaga bacteria may cause infections.

What are the symptoms of a capnocytophaga infection?

According to the CDC, people may experience wide-ranging physical symptoms due to capnocytophaga infections. Some of the most common of these may include the following:

• Swelling, redness, pain, blisters or draining pus around the bite wound
• Fever
• Vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain
• Muscle or joint pain
• Confusion
• Headache

The symptoms of capnocytophaga infections may develop between one and 14 days after the dog bite occurred. Often, those who develop such infections show symptoms within three to five days of their bites.

What are the possible complications of capnocytophaga infections?

Infections from capnocytophaga may lead to potentially serious or fatal complications. For example, people with capnocytophaga infections may develop gangrene or suffer kidney failure or heart attack. Some severe infections may cause sepsis, which may cause death within 24- to 72-hours after the onset of symptoms.

Although heralded as man’s best friend, a dog’s bite may have serious effects. Holding pet owners financially responsible for dog bites may give those injured the support they need, so they may focus on healing.