Dog Bite Injuries: Can a Dog Bite Break Bones?
Dog Bites: Bone Fracture Risk
Answer Upfront
Yes, a dog bite can break bones. A dog's powerful jaws and sharp teeth can apply enough force to cause a bone fracture, according to veterinary research (Source 4). This risk is significantly higher when the dog is large or strong, or when the bite is inflicted upon vulnerable areas of the body with smaller, more delicate bones, such as the hands, fingers, or feet (Source 1, Source 3).
Key Takeaways: Fracture Mechanics
Force: Larger dogs, such as Rottweilers, Great Danes, Mastiffs, and German Shepherds, can exert tremendous bite force (Source 1, Source 4). This force is often measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). While a human bite exerts about 120–160 PSI, a strong dog can bite with 300–700 PSI, which is more than enough force to cause skeletal damage (Source 4).
Direct Mechanism: The most common way a fracture occurs is through the direct, crushing force applied by the dog’s jaws (Source 5). This pressure can break or crush the bone immediately upon impact, especially if the bite is sustained rather than a quick snap (Source 4).
Indirect Mechanism: Fractures can also occur indirectly (Source 5). If the victim struggles, falls, or twists violently while attempting to escape the attack, the resulting trauma can lead to a fracture, even if the bone was not directly crushed by the dog's teeth.
Vulnerable Areas: The location of the bite plays a critical role in the risk of fracture (Source 1). Bones in the hands, fingers, feet, and joints are particularly susceptible because they lack the protective muscle mass that shields bones in the arms or legs (Source 3). Bites to the face can also result in fractures due to the delicate nature of the facial bones (Source 4).
Risk Factors for Bone Fracture
Dog Size and Breed: The size and breed of the dog are primary determinants of bite severity (Source 2). Larger dogs with powerful jaw structures naturally generate higher PSI, increasing the risk of serious injuries, including fractures (Source 1, Source 2). Breeds known for strong jaws, like Pit Bulls or Rottweilers, pose the highest risk (Source 4).
Bite Type: The technique used during the bite significantly influences the outcome (Source 1). A sustained, deep, and crushing bite is far more likely to cause a fracture than a quick, superficial snap or scratch (Source 4).
Victim Age/Health: Children and the elderly are considered high-risk individuals (Source 5). Children have smaller, less developed bones, while the elderly may have more fragile bones, making them more susceptible to fractures from lower force levels (Source 5).
Location of Bite: As noted, bites directed at the extremities (hands, feet) or areas with thin bones (face) are high-risk because these areas offer less resistance to the crushing force (Source 3).
Immediate Actions After a Bite (Checklist)
If a dog bite occurs and a fracture is suspected, immediate and precise action is crucial to minimize damage and prevent infection.
- Safety First: Immediately and safely separate the victim from the dog. Ensure the dog is secured to prevent further incidents.
- Assess the Wound: Determine the severity of the injury. Look for signs of a severe injury, such as heavy bleeding, deep puncture wounds, visible bone, deformity of the limb, or the inability to move or bear weight on the affected limb (Source 1).
- Control Bleeding: Apply direct, firm pressure to the wound using a clean cloth, sterile gauze, or bandage. Elevate the injured area if possible.
- Immobilize (If Fracture Suspected): If a fracture is suspected, do not move the injured limb. Keep the victim as still as possible. If necessary and trained, gently splint the area to prevent movement, but prioritize seeking medical help over complex field splinting.
- Seek Emergency Medical Care: Call 911 or go to the Emergency Room (ER) immediately for any suspected fracture, deep wound, or bleeding that cannot be controlled (Source 1).
- Wound Cleaning (Minor Bites Only): For minor wounds that do not appear to involve a fracture, wash the area gently with soap and warm water for 5–10 minutes. However, if a fracture is suspected or confirmed, let medical professionals handle the cleaning to avoid further injury or contamination (Source 5).
Risks and Complications
Infection: Infection is the most significant risk associated with any dog bite that breaks the skin (Source 5). Dog saliva contains various bacteria that can be introduced deep into the tissue or bone. If a fracture is compound (where the broken bone pierces the skin), the risk of severe bacterial infection is extremely high (Source 5).
Nerve and Tendon Damage: The powerful force exerted by the dog’s jaws can damage structures beyond the bone. This includes severing or crushing surrounding nerves, tendons, and ligaments, which can lead to permanent loss of sensation or function in the affected limb (Source 3).
Crush Injuries: Severe bites often result in crush injuries, causing significant soft tissue damage, bruising, and internal bleeding. This can compromise blood flow to the area, requiring complex medical intervention.
Tetanus/Rabies: Any bite that breaks the skin requires medical assessment regarding the need for a tetanus booster shot (Source 5). If the dog's vaccination status is unknown, or if the dog is wild or stray, rabies prophylaxis may be necessary.
When to See a Doctor (Mandatory)
Immediate medical attention is critical for any dog bite that causes significant trauma (Source 1, Source 5).
- Any suspected fracture is mandatory for immediate medical evaluation. Signs include severe pain, swelling, visible deformity, or the inability to bear weight or move the limb (Source 5).
- Deep puncture wounds or lacerations that may require stitches or surgical debridement.
- Uncontrolled bleeding that does not stop after several minutes of firm pressure.
- Signs of infection developing after the bite, such as increasing redness, warmth, pus, fever, or escalating pain.
- Bites to the face, head, hands, or feet, due to the high risk of functional damage and infection in these areas (Source 3).
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does a small dog's bite pose a fracture risk?
Yes. While the force is lower than that of a large dog, small dogs can still cause fractures in very delicate areas like fingers or toes, especially in children or individuals with fragile bones.
How soon do I need medical attention for a suspected fracture?
Immediately. Suspected fractures require urgent medical care, including X-rays to confirm the injury and prompt surgical cleaning (debridement) to mitigate the high risk of infection associated with bite wounds.
What types of fractures are common from dog bites?
Crush fractures, compound fractures (where the bone breaks through the skin), and displaced fractures are common due to the high, localized force and crushing pressure of the dog's jaw (Source 5).
Can a dog bite cause a fracture without breaking the skin?
Yes. The crushing force can break the bone beneath the skin (a simple fracture) without causing a puncture wound, although fractures resulting from dog bites usually involve a break in the skin due to the nature of the injury (Source 5).
Are [there](/blog/dog-spaying-is-there-an-age-limit) specific breeds known to cause more fractures?
Yes. Breeds known for their size and powerful jaws, such as Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Great Danes, and Mastiffs, are cited in research as having the potential to exert enough force to inflict serious injuries, including fractures (Source 1, Source 4). A dog bite can absolutely break bones, especially when inflicted by large, powerful breeds or directed at vulnerable areas like the hands and feet. The severity of the injury is determined by the dog's size, the force exerted, and the location of the bite. Immediate medical attention is mandatory for any suspected fracture to address both the orthopedic injury and the critical risk of bacterial infection, which is a major complication of all dog bite wounds.
