Once you understand dog bite types and learn how medical professionals assess bite severity, you can ensure effective dog bite treatment. The most widely accredited method for understanding dog behavior and analyzing dog bites is the Dunbar Dog Bite Scale, created by Animal Behaviorist and Veterinarian Dr. Ian Dunbar. The Dunbar Dog Bite Scale is an evaluation tool used in scientific analysis and clinical review for dog bite cases. The Dunbar Dog Bite Scale spans six levels, with each level corresponding with a higher degree of bite severity than the previous one.
What Is a Level 1 Dog Bite?
A Level 1 Bite involves aggressive behavior but no skin contact. Under the Dunbar Scale, a Level 1 Bite is considered a dog trying to scare the victim so that person will leave the immediate area.
What is a Level 2 Dog Bite?
A Level 2 Dog Bite is when a dog bites the skin but does not puncture the outer layer. This is considered aggressive dog behavior. The dog is likely agitated.
What is a Level 3 Dog Bite?
Level 3 Dog Bites are the initial level for wound treatment. A Level 3 Dog Bite involves one to four tooth punctures in the skin from a single bite with punctures less than half the length of the dog’s canine teeth. Most dog bite cases meet this level. At Level 3, a dog presents a significant potential danger to people.
What is a Level 4 Dog Bite?
A Level 4 Dog Bite under the Dunbar Dog Bite Scale is one to four skin punctures from a single bite, with at least one puncture deeper than half the length of a dog’s canine teeth. If you suffer a Level 4 Dog Bite, you’ll likely experience deep bruising around the wound. Dogs that inflict this level of bite should be separated from people and other animals until their behavior and the bite case are analyzed.
What is a Level 5 Dog Bite?
A Level 5 Dog Bite involves multiple Level 4 bites over several attacks. If a dog has inflicted multiple Level 4 Dog Bites with multiple bites that have a puncture wound deeper than half of the dog’s canine teeth, dog behavioral experts recommend the dog be euthanized due to its potential danger.
What is a Level 6 Dog Bite?
A Level 6 on the Dunbar Bite Scale is when a dog kills a victim in an attack. Although this level of dog bite and attack is rare, there were 62 deaths in 2022 due to dog attacks in the United States. The 62 deaths represent a new record for documented fatal attacks throughout the country.
When Should I See a Doctor After a Dog Bite?
If you’re the victim of a recent dog bite, the severity of the attack and the type of bite you suffered is only one element to consider when evaluating whether you need to see a doctor. Visit your local emergency room or urgent care center if:
- Your dog bite pain is getting worse with time
- You’re having trouble moving the impacted area of your body
- You have swelling around the dog bite
- There are red streaks on the skin coming away from your dog bite wound
- The skin around the bite changes color
- If you’re unable to obtain the dog’s rabies immunization records
Pay close attention to how you’re feeling in the days after you are attacked. If you have questions about the bite wound, visit your local doctor, emergency room, or urgent care clinic. Our recent post regarding dog bite injury care explains more about the progression of dog bite injuries and why you should book an assessment at the early stages.
Book a Consultation to Discuss Your Dog Bite Claim
Dog bite attorney Jeffrey Penneys has over 27 years of experience helping dog bite victims – from young children bitten at family events to postal workers attacked while on duty – file successful dog bite claims. His experience, expertise, and tireless work for justice can help you secure a fair dog bite settlement. Start today with a free, no-obligation consultation by calling The Law Offices of Jeffrey Penneys at 215-771-0430.