The
medical cost for dog bites was estimated, in 1999, to be
around $250 million annually in the nation. It is
estimated that up to 50% of all Americans will be bitten
by a dog or cat in their lifetime. Every 40 seconds,
someone in the United States seeks medical attention for
a dog bite–related injury.
The lower legs are most frequently injured in dog
attacks, but face, neck, and scalp wounds are common
sites for dog bites in young children. Children are at
greater risk of injury, since many do not know how to
behave around a dog. Children's small size and inability
to fend off an attack put them at additional risk.
Dog bites account for about 75% of bite injuries treated
in emergency rooms. The jaws of adult dogs can exert
approximately 200 pounds per square inch, enough to
perforate sheet metal, but the teeth generally are not
sharp. Children and young adults are the most frequent
victims of animal bites, and males are bitten more often
than females. Senior citizens are also at
increased risk of dog bites. It is more difficult for
them to move away due to arthritis, weak muscles and
poor eyesight.
In the United States more than half of dog bites occur
at home and about one-third in a public place. Most
biting dogs have owners and are not stray; the victim is
often the owner or a friend of the owner. All breeds can
bite. The breeds most frequently responsible for severe
damage are pit bulls, Rottweilers, and German shepherds.
In at least half the cases the attack involves an
unrestrained dog on the owner’s property.
To REPORT an animal bite to a person click
here. All bites are
legally reportable except rodent and rabbit bites.
Veterinary Public Health investigated to determine
whether the bite could have transmitted rabies.
Reporting an animal bite is not the same thing as
reporting a vicious animal, because all animals may bite
under certain circumstances.
To report a vicious animal you must contact your
animal control agency. To learn more click
here.
Basic Dog Bite Prevention
1. The most important thing is to learn how to interpret
dog behavior. Dogs may bite because they are afraid, in
pain, dominant, or other reasons.
Warning
signs of aggression are a) snarling or a stiff stance b)
ears laid back and fur on back standing up.
Warning
signs of fear include cowering, trying to get away, tail
between legs, ears low, low body stance.
Warning
signs of pain might not be obvious because some dogs
hide pain. Elderly dogs in particular may experience
hidden arthritis pain.
2. Train your dog to obey simple commands (sit, stay,
come, no) so that it looks to you for leadership.
3. Don't play aggressive games like wrestling or
tug-of-war with your dog.
4. Don't leave children unattended with dogs. More than
˝ of the bites involve children under 12 years of age.
5. Talk to your children about avoiding strange dogs and
growling dogs.
6. Teach children not to take food and toys away from
any dogs, including their own dog.
7. Don't run past a dog. They naturally love to chase
and catch things. More attacks are seen with joggers and
people out walking.
8. If dogs are fighting don't try to break up by hand.
Spray with water, yell at or make loud noises.
9. Obey leash laws. Dogs on a public street, park or
other property must be restrained by a leash.
10. Neuter your dog, as neutered dogs are less likely to
bite.
Dog Bite Prevention Power Point Shows
English
Spanish
English - pdf of slides
Spanish - pdf of slides
Download PowerPoint Viewer 2007 (if needed)
Dog Bite Prevention brochures and
flyers (pdfs)
Dog Bite Prevention Quick Tips
Most
Dog Bites Preventable! - The Public's Health, Newsletter of Los
Angeles County Department of Public Health, May 2007 issue
What You Should Know About Dog Bite Prevention
- The American Veterinary Medical Association
Lo que Usted Debe Saber Sobre La Prevención
de Mordeduras de Perro -
The American Veterinary Medical Association
