How common are dog bites?
Dog bites are unfortunately very common. According to the CDC, dogs bite 4.5 million people each year in the United States. That means nearly 1 out of every 73 people in the U.S. will suffer a dog bite each year. Dog bites account for up to 90% of all animal bites that occur in the U.S.
Dog bite statistics
| Statistic | Number |
|---|---|
| Annual dog bites in the U.S. | 4.5 million |
| Percent of U.S. population bitten by a dog each year | 1.36% |
| Annual dog bite fatalities | 20-35 |
| Percent of dog bite victims who are children | 51% |
As you can see from the statistics, dog bites are very common, especially among children. But fatalities are relatively rare, accounting for less than 1% of total dog bites.
What are the risks and potential injuries from a dog bite?
Dog bites can range from a small nick to deep puncture wounds requiring stitches and other medical treatment. Some potential injuries and complications include:
Common dog bite injuries
- Puncture wounds
- Torn flesh
- Scarring
- Nerve damage
- Broken bones
- Infections
- Rabies
- Amputation of fingers/toes or limbs (rare)
Puncture wounds and lacerations are the most common type of injury from a dog bite. Deep puncture wounds are especially prone to infection because they are difficult to clean thoroughly.
Other risks include broken bones if the victim falls during the attack, as well as the possibility of contracting rabies if the dog is infected with the rabies virus.
While quite rare, some severe dog attacks result in amputation of fingers, hands, arms, toes, feet, or legs if the damage is too extensive to repair.
Should I see a doctor for a dog bite?
In most cases, you should see a doctor for medical care after being bitten by a dog. This is important for several reasons:
Reasons to see a doctor for a dog bite
- Clean the wound – Dog bites can introduce a high amount of bacteria deep into tissue, increasing infection risk. Thorough cleaning by a medical professional is important.
- Assess the extent of injury – The doctor can determine whether stitches, antibiotics, or other treatment may be needed.
- Tetanus shot – You may need a tetanus booster if it’s been more than 5 years since your last tetanus immunization.
- Rabies prevention – If the dog cannot be found or quarantined, you may need rabies postexposure treatment.
- Pain medication – The doctor can provide pain relief if needed.
- Record the injury – Having medical records documenting the dog bite may be helpful if legal action is pursued later.
Seeking prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent potential complications and long-term issues.
When to go to the ER for a dog bite
In some cases, a dog bite may be severe enough to warrant emergency care. Go to the nearest ER or urgent care if:
- There is excessive bleeding that cannot be stopped.
- The wound is extremely deep or gaping.
- Bones may be broken.
- Tendons or muscle are torn.
- Infection develops – redness, swelling, pus, fever.
- Your last tetanus shot was over 10 years ago.
- You have a weakened immune system.
- The dog cannot be contained or identified (rabies risk).
What should I do at home for a minor dog bite?
For less serious dog bites, you can follow these first aid steps at home:
At-home care for minor dog bites
- Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Stop any bleeding by applying pressure with clean gauze or cloth.
- Clean around the wound gently with mild soap and water. Do not scrub.
- Apply antibiotic ointment.
- Cover bite with sterile bandage or dressing.
- Apply ice pack wrapped in towel to minimize swelling.
- Watch for signs of infection – increasing pain, redness, swelling, pus.
- Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if needed.
- See doctor promptly if signs of infection develop.
Avoid any home remedies like vinegar, alcohol, or hydrogen peroxide, which can damage tissue. Even minor bites should be evaluated by a doctor, especially if the dog cannot be contained for rabies observation.
How can I prevent dog bite infections?
Because of their deep puncture wounds, dog bites are prone to infection. Some tips to help prevent infections include:
Dog bite infection prevention
- See a doctor promptly so the wound can be thoroughly cleaned.
- Complete any antibiotic treatment prescribed by the doctor.
- Keep the wound clean and covered until fully healed.
- Watch for signs of infection – increasing pain, redness, swelling, pus.
- Call your doctor if you notice any signs of infection.
- Avoid touching or scrubbing the wound.
- Do not re-bandage the wound once initial bandage is soaked through.
The vast majority of dog bite infections are caused by bacteria from the dog’s mouth such as Pasteurella multocida. Prompt medical care and monitoring of the wound are key to preventing problematic infections after a dog bite.
Should I report a dog bite?
In most states and local jurisdictions, dog bites must be reported if:
When to report a dog bite
- The bite resulted in an injury requiring medical treatment.
- The bite occurred without provocation (unprovoked attack).
- The biting dog cannot be contained or identified.
Reporting dog bites serves several important purposes:
- Alerts animal control to a dangerous dog so steps can be taken to prevent future attacks.
- Initiates quarantine period to observe dog for signs of rabies.
- Provides documentation of injury if legal action is pursued.
- Helps authorities track bite statistics and identify high risk areas.
Check local laws to determine the process for reporting dog bites in your area. Many jurisdictions require healthcare providers to report dog bites when patients seek medical treatment.
Should I take legal action after a dog bite?
Whether to pursue legal action after a dog bite is a personal decision that depends on several factors:
Considerations for legal action after dog bite
- Severity of injury – More serious injuries often warrant legal action.
- Circumstances of attack – Was attack provoked or unprovoked? Did attack occur on dog owner’s property?
- Medical expenses – Who will pay for medical treatment, especially if no health insurance?
- Impact on work/livelihood – Will you miss work and wages due to injury?
- History of prior incidents – Has dog bitten others before?
- Dog owner’s insurance – Does owner have liability insurance to cover injuries and damages?
An attorney can help determine if you have viable grounds for legal action. This may involve filing a personal injury lawsuit or homeowners insurance claim. Strict time limits apply, so don’t delay in exploring your legal options after a dog bite.
What should I do if a dog bites my child?
If your child is bitten by a dog, take these steps:
Dog bite first aid for children
- Stay calm and keep child calm.
- Stop any bleeding by applying gentle pressure with clean cloth.
- Call 911 if bleeding is severe or injury is to face, head, neck, hands, feet or genitals.
- Clean wound gently with mild soap and water if not actively bleeding.
- Apply antibiotic ointment and bandage.
- Elevate injured area.
- Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain if needed.
- Take child to doctor promptly.
- Report bite to authorities so dog can be quarantined.
Children are at high risk for dog bites due to their smaller size. Bites to the face, head, and neck in kids have a higher risk of complications. Carefully monitor the bite area for any signs of infection which can progress rapidly in children. Psychological counseling may be needed to help a child overcome trauma from a dog attack.
How can I prevent dog bites to my child?
Some tips to help prevent dog bites in children include:
Dog bite prevention for kids
- Teach children basic dog safety – don’t disturb a dog that’s sleeping or eating, don’t pet unknown dogs, don’t touch dogs without owner’s permission.
- Supervise all interactions between dogs and young children.
- Don’t leave babies or young children alone with any dog, even family pets.
- Be cautious around strange dogs when out walking or playing in yards.
- Avoid direct eye contact with unfamiliar dogs.
- Do not pet dogs through fences – this can elicit a bite.
- Warn children not to hug dogs around the neck or kiss their faces.
- Look for warning signs a dog may bite – growling, tail held high and stiff, hunched posture.
Adult supervision, teaching safe behavior around dogs, and taking sensible precautions can reduce the risk of dog bites in children.
Conclusion
Dog bites are a common occurrence but can usually be treated effectively with first aid, wound care, and antibiotics if needed. While dog bite fatalities are rare, bites must be taken seriously due to infection risk. Children are at increased risk and require close adult supervision around dogs. Prompt medical care, monitoring for infection, and reporting significant bites are key steps after a dog bite. Legal action may be warranted, especially if the bite was unprovoked or if the owner was negligent. With proper care and precautions, most dog bites can heal without major complications. But do not hesitate to seek emergency care if the bite appears severe, shows signs of infection, or occurs to vulnerable areas like the face, neck or hands.