Understanding the Different Levels of Dog Bites

A dog bite can be a difficult and costly event for dog owners and victims. If an injury as a result of a bite is serious enough, it may even require the involvement of a lawyer. It is always the responsibility of dog owners to take the steps necessary to prevent a dog from attacking visitors or family members. Whether you live on a farm out east or in a neighborhood in Provo, UT it is your responsibility as a dog owner to understand the different levels of dog bite severity and how they are prevented.

Minor Dog Bites

A level one bite is also known as a “pre-bite.” This is where a dog snaps or bites the air but makes no contact with a person. A level one bite is most common is suburban areas such as Provo and may seem harmless, but for a child a level one bite can be traumatic.

A level two bite occurs when a dog snaps and makes contact with the skin but does not puncture. If your dog has a history of level two bites, you’re lucky but may consider behavioral training before it escalates.

In a level three A bite, skin is broken, although it is a shallow puncture. While this is not a severe injury, your Provo neighbor may report it, requiring a lawyer. A level three B bite is when a level three A bite occurs multiple times in the same event.

Major Dog Bites

At level four, bites become very serious. Level four bites are deeper than the length of a canine’s teeth, signifying that the dog clamped down. This type of bite also produces slashes, indicating that the dog shook its head after clamping down.

 A level five bite happens when multiple level four bites occur in the same event.

And finally, a level six bite occurs when a dog actually consumes the flesh. A level six dog bite can lead to death, leading to a whole new set of problems for your lawyer and should be avoided at all costs.

Drew Scholl is a legal writer for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Robert J Debry. Follow on Twitter.