Most of the time, a dog’s bark is worse than its bite. But not always. Sometimes dogs do bite, and with varying levels of severity. A bite can be minor and cause little to no harm, but in some cases a dog bite can be much more serious.

Dog bites can also have legal implications. If you’re bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation. The severity of the dog bite will be an important factor to consider in a legal claim. To help judge and categorise the seriousness of dog bites, a number of dog bite scales have been devised. Here we explain Dr. Ian Dunbar’s Dog Bite Scale, a commonly used and easy-to-understand system for judging how severe a dog bite is. 

What is a level 1 dog bite?

Aggression but no direct skin contact

The dog displays aggressive behaviour, like growling, loud barking, showing its teeth and snapping. The dog might attack and lunge. It might attempt to bite, and even snag its teeth on your clothing, but no contact is made by the dog’s teeth and your skin. A level 1 dog bite won’t require medical care, but the incident can be distressing and your clothes and belongings may be damaged. 

Level 1 dog bites can result from a dog being scared or stressed and can serve as a warning for you to back away. These bites can also occur during play, especially play that gets boisterous. If you’re with a dog that appears to be anxious or over-stimulated, slowly back away and give them space. Ideally put distance between yourself and the dog, such as by leaving or going into a different room. 

What is a level 2 dog bite?

Teeth make skin contact but don’t pierce

On top of aggressive behaviour, the dog bites you. The dog’s teeth make contact with your skin, but don’t break it. 

The dog’s teeth may leave a mark on your skin. There can be bruising and there may be some limited bleeding if teeth cause scratches and nicks – although without any vertical punctures. The dog’s claws may also cause scratches and marks. 

This kind of bite is often called an inhibited bite or a warning bite, as the dog is sending a message that they’re really not happy or that they’re stressed or frightened. It’s the kind of bite that can happen when a dog is taken to see someone like a vet or dog groomer for the first time, and the dog is unsure of itself. The best way to reduce the chances of harm in this situation is to try to de-escalate the situation by giving the dog space, as well as reassuring and calming them down. 

What is a level 3 dog bite?

A single bite with shallow wounds

Level 3 bites are medium severity incidents. One bite breaks the skin, with one to four teeth causing a puncture, but to a depth of less than half the dog’s canine teeth. The dog doesn’t shake with the bite, but there may be some tearing and laceration as you pull away or separate. 

A dog can bite in this way for a number of reasons, but usually not as a result of over-enthusiastic play. A level 3 bite tends to result from a dog feeling threatened or territorial, often within their own home. This kind of attack may be a particular concern for postal workers, delivery drivers or anyone else who has to visit other people’s properties. 

The best way to avoid a level 3 bite is to calmly back away from an agitated dog and leave the area if possible. Dog bites aren’t always avoidable though, and if you do receive a bite that pierces your skin, you should seek medical attention. Even minor dog bites can cause serious complications, like infections and rabies. 

What is a level 4 dog bite?

A single bite with deep wounds

Level 4 still involves a single bite, but that bite is deeper. One or more teeth puncture the skin, and at least one of those punctures is deeper than half the length of the dog’s canine teeth. Lacerations may also happen as the dog shakes its head from side-to-side. 

As with level 3 bites, you should get medical care as quickly as possible after a bite that causes a deep wound. Such a bite can cause damage to the immediate area, including tendon and nerve damage. It also carries a higher risk of complications, including infections, rabies and conditions like sepsis and meningitis. Clean the wound, dress it if you can, then head to a hospital A&E or walk-in clinic. 

What is a level 5 dog bite?

Multiple bites with deep wounds

A high-severity attack, the dog bites multiple times, with at least two bites causing deep wounds where teeth puncture more than half the length of the dog’s canines. There can be lacerations and serious injury caused, often due to the dog shaking its head as it holds on with its mouth. 

Multiple bite attacks can be very harmful and dangerous, and can result in extensive damage and bleeding. In the event of such an attack, try to get space between you and the dog, and attempt to create some sort of barrier between you. Seek immediate medical care when you can by calling an ambulance. 

What is a level 6 dog bite?

Flesh consumed and/or death

The attack is so serious that flesh is removed and consumed, and in the worst-case scenario, the person attacked dies. 

Thankfully, level 6 dog bites are rare in the UK. Each year in England and Wales, there are usually between two to six fatalities caused by dog attacks. This rose to 16 in 2023, which is a considerable increase. However, this is still an extremely low number, making lethal dog attacks exceptionally rare. 

How to claim compensation for a dog bite

Being bitten by a dog can be an awful experience, even if that bite is lower down on the dog bite scale. A bite can cause physical harm, but it can also leave lasting psychological damage. 

If you’ve been the victim of a dog bite, you may be able to claim for the compensation you deserve. It’s the responsibility of the dog owner to ensure that their pet behaves properly and doesn’t cause any harm. If a dog does bite you, the owner may be legally liable to recompense you for any injury or trauma caused. 

At InjuryLawyers4U, we help hundreds of people claim compensation every day, including claims for dog bites. We’ll give you our no win, no fee promise, so there’ll be no risk for you and you won’t pay a penny until you receive your compensation. Contact us today and we’ll put you in contact with one of our experienced lawyers.