Dog bites are a serious issue, with more than 4 million incidents reported annually in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While many bites are minor, some can lead to significant injury or infection. Understanding the severity of a bite is crucial for knowing how to respond. Dr. Ian Dunbar’s Dog Bite Scale categorizes bites into six levels based on their seriousness. Here’s what you need to know about each type.
Level One Dog Bite: No Skin Contact
A level one bite occurs when a dog snaps at the air without making contact with a person or animal. This is a warning behavior, often seen when a dog feels cornered, frightened, or overwhelmed. While no physical harm occurs, this behavior signals potential escalation if the situation isn’t de-escalated.
Level Two Dog Bite: Teeth Contact, No Skin Break
In a level two bite, a dog’s teeth make contact with the skin, causing redness or bruising but no punctures. This type of bite often serves as a stronger warning. Although there’s no risk of infection, the emotional trauma—especially for children—can be lasting. According to studies, levels one and two account for 81% of all dog bite incidents.
Level Three Dog Bite: Skin Breaks, Single or Multiple Bites
A level three bite is when a dog’s teeth puncture the skin, leaving bloody marks. This level is divided into single and multiple bites. The wounds are typically shallower than the dog’s canine teeth length but can still transmit germs or bacteria. Medical attention is recommended for any bite that breaks the skin to rule out infections or other complications.
Level Four Dog Bite: Deep Punctures and Bruising
At level four, the bite is much more severe. The dog clamps down with significant force, creating deep wounds that exceed the length of its canine teeth. Bruising and tearing of the skin may occur, especially if the dog shakes its head while biting. Such bites pose serious risks, particularly for children, and require immediate medical care.
Level Five Dog Bite: Multiple Severe Bites
Level five bites involve repeated, aggressive attacks. Victims often suffer numerous deep wounds, requiring extensive medical treatment, including stitches or even surgery. These bites are life-threatening and should always be reported to authorities to prevent future attacks.
Level Six Dog Bite: Fatal Bites
A level six bite is when a dog attack results in death. While exceedingly rare—accounting for less than 0.1% of all bites—these incidents underscore the potential danger of aggressive dogs. Over a 13-year period, the National Safety Council reported only 433 deaths due to dog bites, equating to a 1 in 112,400 chance of fatality.
What to Do If You’ve Been Bitten by a Dog
Dog bites, especially those at higher levels, can be traumatic and life-changing. Owners of aggressive dogs are often held responsible for their negligence, particularly in cases involving severe injury.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a serious dog bite, act quickly. The statute of limitations for dog bite cases is shorter than for other personal injury claims, so don’t delay.
Call Grabb & Durando today at (520) 222-2222 to schedule a free consultation. Our experienced attorneys will fight to get you the compensation you deserve, helping you focus on healing after this traumatic experience.
