5 Common Summer Dog Bite Injuries

When the sun is shining and everyone’s out enjoying the warmer weather, it’s easy to forget that summer fun can sometimes come with unexpected risks. One such risk is dog bites, which are more common during summer when people and pets spend more time outside. Dogs can react unpredictably from backyard barbecues to public parks, especially in crowded or unfamiliar environments.

Understanding the types of injuries that can occur and knowing what to do if you or someone you love is bitten can make all the difference in a stressful situation. Here are the five most common dog bite injuries, along with practical advice on how to protect yourself and your rights.

1. Puncture Wounds

Puncture wounds are among the most typical injuries from dog bites. Dogs have sharp teeth that can easily penetrate the skin, leaving deep, narrow wounds. While these injuries may not look severe on the surface, they can be extremely dangerous because they’re prone to infection. Bacteria from the dog's mouth may get trapped deep under the skin, leading to complications if untreated.

What to Do:

• Immediately clean the wound with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection.
• Apply an antibiotic ointment, then cover the area with a clean bandage.
• Seek medical attention if the wound is deep, painful, or shows signs of redness and swelling.

If the dog’s vaccination status is unknown or out of date, you may need to consult a doctor about post-exposure rabies treatment.

2. Torn Skin and Lacerations

Some dog bites don’t just puncture the skin but result in tears or lacerations. This often happens when a dog bites and then shakes its head, causing the skin and underlying tissue to rip. Such injuries may bleed heavily and often require stitches or more advanced medical procedures to heal properly.

Torn skin also raises the cosmetic concern of scarring, particularly if the injury occurs on the face or another visible part of the body.

What to Do:

• Use a clean cloth to apply firm, steady pressure for large or severely bleeding wounds.
• Keep the area elevated, if possible, to reduce blood flow.
• Go to an emergency room as soon as possible. Stitches may be necessary to properly close the wound, along with a tetanus shot if you haven’t had one recently.

If the injury leads to scarring, consult a medical professional about treatments or procedures to minimize long-term effects.

3. Crush Injuries

Larger dog breeds with strong jaws, like German Shepherds or Pit Bulls, can cause severe damage by exerting a crushing force during a bite. Besides damaging the skin, these bites can harm the muscles, tendons, and even bones beneath the surface. Crush injuries often cause extensive bruising and swelling and can result in long-term complications such as restricted movement or nerve damage.

What to Do:

• Contact emergency services immediately for severe injuries or suspected broken bones.
• Avoid trying to move a limb if it feels broken or fractured until help arrives.
• Ensure follow-up care, like physical therapy, to address any lasting mobility issues.

These types of injuries often result in long recovery times and may require legal action to cover medical costs and other damages.

4. Facial Injuries

Facial injuries are especially common in children because they are smaller and their faces are often closer to a dog’s level. A bite to the face can result in devastating injuries to the nose, cheeks, lips, or even the eyes. Beyond the physical damage, facial injuries caused by dog bites can have significant psychological effects, especially on younger victims.

What to Do:

• Seek emergency medical attention for any facial injury. The face contains sensitive areas and blood vessels that can lead to heavy bleeding or deeper complications.
• If the eyes are injured, avoid touching them and get immediate care from an ophthalmologist.
• Consider consulting specialists for reconstructive or cosmetic surgery if needed to minimize scarring.

These injuries often require meticulous documentation for any legal claim, as ongoing treatment may be necessary.

5. Nerve Damage or Muscle Injuries

When a dog bite is severe enough, it can damage underlying nerves and muscles. This type of injury may result in loss of sensation, weakness, or reduced mobility in the affected area. For example, a bite to the hand could limit your ability to grip objects or perform everyday tasks.

What to Do:

• See a doctor immediately if you notice tingling, numbness, or weakness after a bite. These symptoms could indicate nerve damage.
• Follow through with physical therapy if recommended. Restoring full mobility can take time and dedication.
• Document your injury and its impact on your daily life to support any potential legal claims for compensation.

Why Summer Sees More Dog Bite Cases

Summer dog bites are more common for several reasons. People tend to attend outdoor gatherings, take pets on vacation, or visit parks and public spaces during this time of year. Unfortunately, dogs may feel overwhelmed or stressed in crowded or unfamiliar settings, leading to aggressive behavior.

Some dogs may also react differently to high-energy environments, such as children running around or loud noises like fireworks. This mixture of excitement and unease can increase the risk of dog bites, especially when proper precautions aren’t taken.

The Legal Side of Dog Bite Injuries

If you’ve suffered from a dog bite injury, it’s important to understand your legal rights. Dog owners are generally held responsible for their pet’s actions, but laws vary by state. Some states have strict liability rules, meaning the owner is liable even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. Others require you to prove that the owner was negligent or knew the dog had aggressive tendencies.

Steps You Should Take After a Dog Bite Accident:

1. Gather information about the dog and its owner.
2. Take photographs of the injury, the location where the bite occurred, and the dog if possible.
3. Get contact details of witnesses, if any.
4. Seek medical attention and keep records of every treatment received.
5. Contact a personal injury attorney to explore your options.

An experienced attorney can help you file a claim to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other costs associated with the injury.

Oklahoma Dog Bite Injury Attorneys: Get Justice Now

If you've recently been affected by a dog bite injury and are concerned about the legal implications or possible compensation, Martin, Jean, Jackson, Martin & Peach, offers expert legal guidance that can make a significant difference. Our dedicated team understands the intricacies of personal injury law and is here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today at to learn more about how we can assist with your case and ensure you receive the justice you deserve.