How can the number of dog bites be minimized?

Dog bites are a major public health problem. An estimated 4.7 million dog bites occur every year in the United States. Approximately 800,000 dog bite victims require medical attention each year. Approximately 6,000 are hospitalized. Among victims, approximately 50% are children less than 12 years of age with the highest rates among children 5 to 9 years old. About 65% of facial bites are in children less than 10 years old. About 12 people are killed in dog attacks each year.

Many dog bites go unreported, so the real number is not known. These injuries are likely minor or considered to not require medical attention. Most victims are bitten on the hands and arms. Family dogs are more likely to bite the arms and back. Strange dogs are more likely to attack the leg.

The insurance industry in 2001 estimated it pays more than $1 billion annually in homeowner’s liability claims resulting from dog bites. Hospital expenses are estimated at $102.4 million annually. These statistics do not include medical insurance claims, workmen’s compensation claims, lost wages and sick leave. The emotional damages are impossible to quantify.

For some industries, dog bites are considered to be a known risk. Veterinary professionals, postal workers and utility workers are at much increased risk despite precautions and training. In a survey of veterinarians in Minnesota and Wisconsin, 92.3% of respondents reported being bitten by a dog.

As a veterinarian, there are 3 basic types of primary injuries I see from dog bites. The first is crushing. Even without breaking the skin, the pressures applied by the jaws can crush tissue, rupture blood vessels, and break bones. Crushing injury can cause tissue death.

The second type is punctures and lacerations. The teeth penetrate the skin and enter the deeper tissues directly. Canine teeth can penetrate quite deeply. This injury must also be considered an injection of bacteria into the tissues and secondary infections are quite common.

The third type of injures come from the shaking most dogs do after latching onto something. These injuries often result in severe deep tissue tearing, even though the surface wound looks quite small. As in the case of a big dog attacking a little dog, the shaking often results in head trauma or other trauma at sites distant from the bite wounds.

All breads of dogs can be provoked to bite. Bite rates for specific breeds are impossible to calculate. The numbers show popular large breeds to be over represented. This makes sense as greater numbers of a dog breed allows greater numbers of bite opportunities. Also, large dogs tend to do more damage and get reported when medical therapy is required. Overall, about 70% of reported dog bites are by intact males.

Many dog attacks are avoidable. Key points to remember to follow:

There is no such thing as a bad breed of dog. All dogs can bite if provoked. Responsible dog ownership is key.
Carefully consider your pet selection. Consult your veterinarian.
Socialize your dog so it feels at ease around strangers and other animals. Do not put your dog in a position where it feels threatened and teased.
Train your dog to respond to the basic commands.
Keep your dog healthy. Have your dog vaccinated against rabies.
Neuter your dog. Neutered dogs are three times less likely to bite.
Be alert to signs your dog is uncomfortable or feeling aggressive.
Do not play aggressive games with your dog.

Other points to remember to decrease the risk of dog bites:

Never leave a baby or small child alone with a dog.
Be on the lookout for potentially dangerous situations.
Teach young children to be careful around pets. Children should be taught not to approach strange dogs. They should ask permission from a dog’s owner before petting the dog.
Never disturb a dog that is caring for puppies, sleeping or eating.
If a dog approaches to sniff you, stay still. In most cases, the dog will go away when it determines you are not a threat.
If you are threatened by a dog, remain calm. Do not scream. If you say anything, speak calmly and firmly. Avoid eye contact. Try to stay still until the dog leaves, or back away slowly until the dog is out of sight. Do not turn and run.
If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your head and neck. Protect your face.

If you are bitten by your dog, confine the dog and seek medical attention. Verify your dog’s rabies vaccination status.

If you are bitten by someone else’s dog, seek medical attention. Then contact the local authorities and tell them everything you know about the dog. Discuss with your doctor the need for post-exposure rabies treatment.

Dog bites are reportable. Local law enforcement and the public health service become involved. Rabies quarantine or testing will be required as per the law.

Further information is available at www.avma.org, www.cdc.gov, and www.usps.com. Search for "dog bites".

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