First off, I am not using this forum for medical advice and am contacting a doctor tomorrow morning. I was hiking to a river today when someones unleashed little shiteating dog entirely unprovoked jumped up and snapped its jaws on my knee. I stupidly did not get information from the owner, mainly because in the moment, it didn't occur to me that there was something I could do in between the two extremes of "letting it go with nothing" and "calling the cops to put the thing away". Obviously she didn't offer. Somehow the teeth didn't penetrate the waders, and I have a bruise where he bit me but no puncture wound. I didn't walk past the lady until I physically checked to make sure there was no puncture wound.
Now I am a little worried about potential disease. I am aware that rabies is exceedingly rare in the US, but it also is an extraordinarily horrible way to die. There are also plenty of other diseases that can be transmitted through dogs. How much of a barrier are breathable waders? I am not sure what to describe them as to my doctor, because while they keep me dry when I wade I do know that small amounts of moisture do get through when its cold enough, which concerns me that bacteria/viral particles could as well. I probably have my waders to thank for not getting more seriously injured, definitely speaks for how well they should hold up in normal wear and tear. Simms tributaries if anyone is in the market!
Now I am a little worried about potential disease. I am aware that rabies is exceedingly rare in the US, but it also is an extraordinarily horrible way to die. There are also plenty of other diseases that can be transmitted through dogs. How much of a barrier are breathable waders? I am not sure what to describe them as to my doctor, because while they keep me dry when I wade I do know that small amounts of moisture do get through when its cold enough, which concerns me that bacteria/viral particles could as well. I probably have my waders to thank for not getting more seriously injured, definitely speaks for how well they should hold up in normal wear and tear. Simms tributaries if anyone is in the market!