A dog bite can leave more than a mark on the skin. Bite injuries range from superficial wounds to deep bite wounds that may damage nerves, muscles, or tendons. Dog bite victims may also face lasting fear or post traumatic stress disorder. Even a wound that looks minor can cause pain and risk of infection, so getting medical attention is important. A healthcare provider can assess the injury and determine whether treatment or a rabies vaccination is needed. If a dog owner’s animal has bitten you, understanding the common types of dog bite injuries is a first step toward protecting your health and knowing what to do next.
Helping Dog Bite Injury Victims Recover Fair Compensation
A dog bite can affect your health, work, and daily life. Some bites leave small cuts or puncture wounds. Others cause deep tissue damage, infection, nerve injuries, broken bones, or lasting scars. A dog attack can lead to various injured areas, wounds, tendon injuries, eye injuries and other afflictions. A severe attack can also cause major blood loss or other life-threatening injuries.
Seek medical attention after a dog bite, even if the wound looks minor. A doctor can check for damage beneath the skin, treat the wound, and help prevent infection. Depending on the injury, you may need stitches, medication, surgery, or follow-up care. Some dog bite victims also need rehabilitation or support for emotional trauma.
In Ontario, a dog owner is generally liable for damages caused when their dog bites or attacks someone. A claim may involve treatment costs, lost income, pain and suffering, scarring, or future care needs. At Bergel Magence LLP, our Toronto dog bite lawyers help injured people understand their rights and pursue fair compensation.
The Most Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries in Ontario
Dog attacks can cause many different types of injuries, ranging from minor wounds to severe and potentially life-changing trauma. Dog bites account for 60% to 90% of animal bites requiring care. The severity of a dog bite injury depends on several factors, including the dog’s size and strength, the bite location, the length of the attack, and the victim’s age and health. Common dog bite injuries include puncture wounds, lacerations, infections, nerve damage, fractures, soft tissue injuries, scarring, and psychological trauma.
Some dog bite injuries may heal with proper medical treatment, while others can result in permanent physical or emotional consequences. Children can be particularly vulnerable to serious injuries during dog attacks because of their smaller size and the increased likelihood of bites to the face, head, and neck. Understanding the most common types of dog bite injuries can help victims recognize the potential seriousness of an animal attack, seek appropriate medical care, and understand how an injury may affect their health and quality of life over the long term.
Dog owners should train their dogs and keep their rabies vaccinations up to date.
Injuries from dog bites are most common in summer months, and the most common injury from dog bites is facial injuries, affecting 40% of victims.
What is a Puncture Wound?
A puncture wound happens when a dog’s tooth pierces the skin. It may leave only a small opening, but the wound can extend deeper than it looks.
A deep puncture can damage tissue, nerves, tendons, or a joint. It can also carry bacteria beneath the skin and lead to infection. The risk depends in part on where the bite occurred and how deep it went.
If a dog bite breaks the skin, seek medical attention. A healthcare provider can clean and assess the wound, check for hidden damage, and advise you on any further care.
What is Nerve Damage?
Nerve damage happens when a dog bite injures the nerves beneath the skin. A deep bite may cut, crush, or put pressure on a nerve, even when the wound on the surface looks small.
A person with nerve damage may feel numbness, tingling, burning pain, or weakness near the bite. They may also have trouble moving part of the affected hand, arm, leg, or face. Some symptoms improve as the injury heals, while others may last longer. A dog bite can injure nerves and other structures beneath the skin.
If you notice numbness, weakness, or a loss of movement after a dog bite, seek medical attention promptly. A healthcare provider can assess the injury and recommend treatment or further testing.
What is Scarring?
Scarring is a mark left on the skin after a wound heals. A dog bite may leave a scar where the teeth broke the skin. Deep wounds or bites that tear the skin can leave more noticeable scars.
A scar can affect more than appearance. It may feel tight, tender, or itchy. If it forms near a joint, it may also make movement uncomfortable. Scars on the face or other visible areas can affect a person’s confidence and emotional well-being.
A scar’s size and appearance may change as the skin heals. Prompt medical care can help a dog bite wound heal and reduce the risk of infection and scarring.
Head Injuries
A dog attack can cause a head injury if a dog bites the face or scalp, or if the person falls and hits their head. Children may be especially vulnerable because their faces and heads are closer to a dog’s mouth.
Head injuries can include cuts, puncture wounds, facial injuries, and, after a fall or impact, a concussion. A bite to the face may also affect the eyes, ears, or nerves. Some injuries are more serious than they first appear, so a healthcare provider should assess a bite to the head or face.
Seek urgent medical care after a dog attack if the person has a head wound, seems confused, loses consciousness, or has trouble seeing. Early care can identify injuries that need treatment and help reduce the risk of complications.
Neck and Arm Injuries
A dog attack can injure the neck or arms through a bite, a forceful pull, or a fall. A person may raise an arm to protect their face, leaving the hand, wrist, or forearm exposed to the dog’s teeth.
These injuries can include puncture wounds, torn skin, and damage to muscles, nerves, or tendons. A neck injury may be especially serious because of the blood vessels and other vital structures in that area. An arm injury may make it painful or difficult to grip, lift, or move normally.
Seek urgent medical care for a bite to the neck or for heavy bleeding. A bite to the arm or hand also needs medical assessment, even if the opening looks small, because damage beneath the skin may be hard to see.
Broken Bones
A dog attack can cause a broken bone if the dog’s bite has enough force or if the person falls while trying to get away. Bones in the hands, wrists, arms, and legs may be injured during an attack.
A fracture can cause severe pain, swelling, bruising, or trouble moving the affected area. If the bite also breaks the skin near the fracture, there may be a risk of infection. Treatment may involve a splint or cast, and some injuries require surgery or rehabilitation.
If you think a bone may be broken after a dog attack, seek medical attention promptly. A healthcare provider can examine the injury, order imaging if needed, and recommend treatment.
Infections
A dog bite can introduce bacteria into a wound when the teeth break the skin. Even a small puncture may become infected, especially if it is deep or difficult to clean.
Signs of infection can include growing redness, swelling, warmth, pain, pus, or fever. An untreated infection may spread and require more extensive treatment. A healthcare provider may clean the wound and decide whether antibiotics or other care is needed.
Seek medical attention after a dog bite breaks the skin. If the wound becomes more painful, red, or swollen, or you develop a fever, get it checked promptly. Early treatment can help prevent an infection from getting worse.
Rabies
Rabies is a rare but serious viral infection that can spread through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite. Rabies in dogs is uncommon in Canada, but a healthcare provider should still assess whether a bite poses a risk.
The risk depends on factors such as the dog’s health, vaccination history, and whether you can observe it after the bite. If you identify a possible rabies exposure, start treatment promptly, before symptoms appear. Rabies vaccination is necessary if the dog’s status is unknown. A healthcare provider and public health officials can determine whether rabies treatment is needed.
Wash the bite thoroughly with soap and water and seek medical attention. If possible, collect the dog owner’s contact information and the dog’s vaccination details so the healthcare provider can assess the risk.
How Do Dog Bites Typically Happen?
Dog bites can happen during ordinary activities. A person may be bitten while petting a dog, playing with it, feeding it, or trying to separate it from another animal. A dog may also bite when it is frightened, in pain, or protecting food, toys, or puppies. Even a familiar dog can bite.
The body part injured often depends on what the person was doing when the bite occurred. Someone may be bitten on the hand or arm while reaching toward a dog. A fall during an attack can cause other injuries related to the incident, such as a head injury or broken bone.
Dog bites account for more animal bites than bites from any other animal. As with most animal bites, the wound may be more serious than it first looks. Dog bite injuries can include cuts, puncture wounds, and damage beneath the skin. Seek medical attention if a bite breaks the skin.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
A dog bite can be frightening. Focus on your safety and health first, then record what happened. This checklist can help:
- Move to a safe place. Get away from the dog. Call 911 if you have a serious injury or heavy bleeding.
- Wash the wound. Clean the bite right away with soap and running water. Apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth if it is bleeding.
- Get medical attention. Have a healthcare provider assess the bite, even if the wound looks small. Ask about infection, tetanus, and whether you need a rabies assessment.
- Get the dog owner’s details, if you can safely do so. Ask for their name and contact information, along with the dog’s vaccination details. Do not delay medical care to collect this information.
- Report the bite. In Ontario, report an animal bite to your local public health unit. If it happened in Toronto, you can report it to Toronto Public Health online or by calling 416-338-7600.
- Write down what happened. Note the date, time, location, and a description of the dog. If possible, take photos of your injuries and the location. Keep medical records and receipts.
- Follow your treatment plan. Attend follow-up visits and watch for increasing pain, redness, swelling, or fever.
- Learn about your legal options. If the bite caused an injury, a dog bite lawyer can explain whether you may be able to seek compensation for your losses.
Contact Bergel Magence Personal Injury Lawyers to Secure Compensation for Your Dog Bite Injury
A dog bite can leave you with medical bills, missed work, and lasting pain. You may also be dealing with scars or fear after the attack. You do not have to sort through your legal options alone.
At Bergel Magence Personal Injury Lawyers, our Toronto dog bite lawyers can review what happened, explain your rights, and help you seek compensation for your injuries and losses. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your dog bite injury claim and your next steps.
We handle dog bite claims on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay legal fees unless we recover compensation for you. Our team can deal with the legal process while you focus on your recovery.
