Common Questions and Answers about Dog Bites:

How many dog bites occur every year in the United States?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia, estimates that nearly 2% of the U.S. population is bitten by a dog each year. This is more than 4.7 million people per year, most of whom are children.

How many people die every year as a result of dog bites?

Ten to twenty people die every year as a result of dog bites in the U.S. By far, the majority of the victims are children. During 1995 and 1996, 25 people died after being bitten by a dog. Twenty of those victims were children under twelve years of age. Eleven persons died of dog bite injuries in 1997; nine of them were children, one was a teenager and one was an elderly woman.

Why do some dogs bite?

There are many reasons why a dog may bite. Dogs may bite due to fear, to protect their territory or to establish their dominance over the person being bitten. Some dog owners mistakenly teach their dogs that biting is an acceptable form of play behavior. Sadly, every year a number of newborn infants die when they are bitten by dogs who see them as "Prey". Because dog bites occur for many reasons, many components of responsible dog ownership – including proper socialization, supervision, humane training, sterilization, and safe confinement are necessary to prevent dogs from biting.

Which dogs most commonly bite? Are some breeds more likely to bite than others?

The list of top breeds involved in both bite injuries and fatalities changes from year to year and from one area of the country to another, depending on the popularity of the breed. Although genetics do play some part in determining whether a dog will bite, factors such as whether the dog is spayed or neutered, properly socialized, supervised, humanely trained and safely confined play a significantly greater role. Responsible dog ownership of all breeds is the key to dog bite prevention.

How can local laws prevent dog bites? Should certain breeds of dogs be outlawed?

The most effective dangerous dog laws are those that place the legal responsibility for a dog's actions on the dog's owner rather than on the dog. Laws that hold the owner of any breed of dog accountable for the bite victims pain and suffering, and which mandate certain corrective actions such as spay/neuter and proper confinement of the dog, do much more to reduce dog bites than outlawing specific breeds.

Is there any way I can "Bite Proof" may dog?

There is no way to guarantee that your dog will never bite someone. But, you can significantly reduce the risk. Here is how: ** Spay or neuter your dog. This important procedure will reduce your dogs desire to roam and fight with other dogs, making safe confinement an easier task. Spayed/neutered dogs are three times less likely to bite.

Socialize your dog. Introduce your dog to many different types of people and situations so that they are not nervous or frightened under normal social circumstances.

Train your dog. Accompanying your dog to a training class is an excellent way to socialize them and to learn proper training techniques. Training your dog is a family matter. Every member of your household should learn the training techniques and participate in your dogs education. Never send away your dog to be trained; only you can teach your dog how to behave in your home.

Teach your dog appropriate behavior. Do not play aggressive games with your dog such as wrestling, tug-of-war, or "Siccing" your dog on a person or animal. Set appropriate limits for your dogs behavior. If he exhibits dangerous behavior toward any person, particularly toward children, seek professional help from your veterinarian, an animal behaviorist, or a qualified dog trainer. Your community animal care and control agency or humane society may also offer helpful services. Dangerous behavior toward other animals may eventually lead to dangerous behavior toward people, and is also a reason to seek professional help.

Be a responsible pet owner. License your dog as required by law, and provide regular veterinary care, including rabies vaccinations. For everyone's safety, do not allow your dog to roam. Make you dog a member of your family. Dogs who spend a great deal of time alone in the backyard or tied out on a chain often become dangerous. Dogs who are well socialized and supervised rarely bite.

Err on the safe side. If you so not know how your dog will react to a new situation, be cautious. If your dog may panic in crowds, leave them at home. If your dog overreacts to visitors or delivery or service personnel, keep them in another room. Help your dog become accustomed to a variety of situations. Until you are confident of their behavior, however, avoid stressful settings.

What should I do if my dog bites someone?

If your dog bites someone, act responsibly by taking these steps:

1. Confine your dog immediately and check on the victims condition. If necessary, seek medical help.
2. Provide the victim with important information, such as the date of your dogs last rabies vaccination.
3. Cooperate with the animal control officer responsible for acquiring information about your dog. If you dog must be quarantined for any length of time, ask whether they may be confined with your home or at your veterinarians hospital. Strictly follow quarantine requirement for your dog.
4. Seek professional help to prevent your dog from biting again. Consult with your veterinarian, who may refer you to an animal behaviorist or a dog trainer.
5. If your dogs dangerous behavior cannot be controlled, do not give him to someone else without carefully evaluating that personas ability to protect them and prevent them from biting. Because you know your dog is dangerous, you may be held liable for any damage they do even when they are given to someone else.
6. Do not give your dog to someone who wants a dangerous dog. "Mean" dogs are often forced to live miserable, isolated lives and become even more likely to attack someone in the future. If you must give up your dog due to dangerous behavior, consult with your veterinarian and with your local animal control agency about your options.

How can I avoid being bitten by a dog?

Never approach a strange dog, especially one who is tied or confined behind a fence or in a car. Do not pet a dog without letting them see and sniff you first. Never turn your back to a dog and run away. A dogs natural instinct will be to chase and catch you. Do not disturb a strange dog while they are sleeping, eating, chewing on a toy or caring for puppies. Always assume that a dog who does not know you may see you as an intruder or as a threat. There are socializing exercises you can do with your own dog, to help them learn that biting is not acceptable under any circumstances.

What should I do if I think a dog may attack?

If you are approached by a dog who may attack you, follow these steps:

1. Never scream and run. Remain motionless, hands at your sides or crossed on your chest, avoid eye contact with the dog. Once the dog loses interest in you, slowly back away until he is out of sight.
2. If the dog does attack, "Feed" them your jacket, purse, bicycle, or anything that you can put between yourself and the dog. A walking stick and umbrella can also be used as a deterrent to an attack.
3. If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your ears and remain motionless. Try not to scream or roll around.

What should I do if I am bitten by a dog?

If you are bitten or attacked by a dog, try not to panic. Immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and warm water. Contact your physician for additional care and advice.

Report the bite to your local animal control agency. Tell the animal control officer everything you know about the dog, including the owners name and address. If the dog is a stray, tell the animal control officer what the dog looks like, where you saw them, whether you have seen them before, and in which direction they went.

Can children be taught to avoid being bitten by a dog?

Yes, just as we teach our children to practice safety in other situations, we can teach them to be safe around dogs. The most important lessons for children to learn are not to chase or tease dogs they know and to avoid dogs they do not know.