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3 reasons dog bite wounds can lead to severe scarring

On Behalf of | Oct 23, 2026 | Personal Injury |

Dog bite attacks can be emotionally traumatizing. They can also trigger serious injuries. Depending on the size of the dog and other details about the situation, the person attacked could sustain broken bones, dangerous levels of blood loss and many other significant injuries.

They are also at risk of disfiguring scars. Dog bite attacks may be more likely than other traumatic injuries to produce severe scarring due to unique factors about the nature of the injury. The three details below can all contribute to the likelihood of major scar formation.

1. Tearing and crushing damage

When a dog bites down, the crushing damage caused by their jaws can increase the risk of scarring due to the extent of the tissue damage. Similarly, when dogs shake or pull while attacking, they can cause tearing damage to the tissue. Crushing and tearing damage can increase the likelihood of visible, restrictive scars forming at the location of the bite.

2. Deep puncture wounds

Dog teeth are relatively long and tapered. They create a small hole initially that expands as the teeth move deeper into the tissue. Those deep, widening injuries can increase the risk of significant scarring, especially for people with darker skin tones.

3. Deep infections

The shape of a dog’s tooth also increases the likelihood of infection, as it makes cleaning the wound particularly challenging. Infections can impact tissue healing and may increase the likelihood of significant scars developing.

People with long-term medical consequences from a dog bite attack may need help addressing all of their costs. Working with a personal injury attorney can be beneficial for those in need of compensation due to dog bite injuries accordingly.

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