The force of a dog bite can cause injury even when the skin barrier remains unbroken, presenting as pressure marks, bruising, or superficial abrasions. This scenario, often classified as a Level 2 bite, means the teeth made contact but did not create a puncture wound or laceration. While the immediate risk of bacterial infection is lower than with an open wound, the incident still requires careful attention and assessment. The absence of bleeding or a tear in the skin can mask significant trauma occurring in the tissues beneath the surface.
Immediate First Steps
The first action following a dog bite, even one that does not break the skin, is to thoroughly clean the affected area. Washing the site with mild soap and running warm water for at least five minutes is a simple yet effective way to remove any surface bacteria that may have transferred from the dog’s saliva or teeth. This cleansing process helps reduce the chance of superficial skin irritation or minor infection that could develop at the compression site.
Once the area is clean, applying a cold compress wrapped in a cloth can help manage the immediate physical response to the trauma. Cold therapy works to constrict blood vessels, which in turn minimizes swelling and reduces the extent of bruising under the skin. This step is particularly helpful in alleviating localized pain and tenderness.
It is also important to document the incident by taking photographs of the affected area immediately after the bite and then again 24 hours later to track any changes. If the dog is not a household pet, gathering information about the animal and its owner, including contact details and vaccination status, is a necessary step.
Assessing Internal Injury
The primary concern with a high-pressure bite that does not break the skin is mechanical damage to underlying structures, known as a crush injury. An adult dog’s jaw can exert hundreds of pounds of pressure per square inch, which is enough force to compress and damage deep tissues. This trauma can occur even when the outermost layer of skin remains intact, shifting the risk from infection to structural damage.
A crush injury can lead to the formation of a hematoma, which is a collection of blood outside of blood vessels that can cause deep, spreading bruising and swelling. More seriously, the sustained pressure can damage blood vessels, muscles, tendons, or nerves. Victims may experience neurapraxia, a temporary nerve injury, or axonotmesis, a more severe crushing of the nerve fibers, leading to sensory or motor deficits.
A particularly concerning, though rare, risk is acute compartment syndrome, where excessive internal swelling creates pressure that restricts blood flow and oxygen to muscles and nerves. This condition requires immediate medical attention, as restricted circulation can lead to permanent tissue damage. Delayed symptoms like persistent numbness, tingling, or an inability to move a joint normally are strong indications of internal trauma that must be evaluated.
Criteria for Seeking Medical Care
A visit to a healthcare professional is warranted if the pain at the site of the bite is severe, persistent, or worsens in the hours following the incident. Any sign of neurological compromise, such as numbness, tingling sensations, or a noticeable loss of strength or function in the affected limb, indicates potential nerve damage that requires expert assessment. This is especially true if the bite occurred on the hands or feet, where nerves and tendons are close to the surface.
Rapidly spreading or deep bruising, or significant swelling that does not subside after 24 hours, should also prompt a medical consultation, as these can signal a substantial hematoma or a developing crush injury complication. Furthermore, if the victim has a compromised immune system, or if their tetanus booster vaccination is not current (it has been more than five years since the last dose), professional evaluation is strongly advised. Even minor signs of infection, such as increasing redness or warmth after the first day, should be checked by a doctor.