Dogs have shared their lives with us for over 12,000 years. In the United States, there are slightly more than 53 million dogs sharing the human-animal bond. We have a higher population of canines per capita than any other country in the world. We have such a great relationship with our four-legged friends that we can fall into a level of complacency which can lead to potentially dangerous situations.
According to an AVMA article, an estimated 4.5 million people are bitten each year. Approximately 334,000 people are admitted to the emergency room with dog bite associated injuries while another 50,000 are seen in other medical settings.
The largest affected demographic is young children under 12 years of age, comprising over half of the reported attacks per year. Seventy percent of fatal attacks involve children under the age of 18. The most vulnerable youngsters are boys aged 5-9 years of age. Dog bite injuries in children rank third only to bicycle and baseball related injuries as the leading cause of emergency admission to the hospital. Young children are still learning how to interact with the environment around them. Playing, yelling, and running can sometimes lead to fear related aggression in our canine friends.
The next group most affected by dog bite injuries would be the category of senior citizens. People over the age of 70 comprise 10% of the population bitten and 20% of those killed. Thinning skin increases risk of bruising. A bite causing a small puncture in a younger person can result in a severe life-threatening wound in an older individual. Elderly people can sometimes have decreased sensory perception as well as diminished motor skills, which can make dog encounters potentially more hazardous.
ANY DOG CAN BITE – Big or small, young or old, male or female, neutered or intact. Even pets that are familiar can sometimes act out when they feel threatened, nervous, or afraid.
What are some examples or situations which may make an animal potentially a danger?
- Dog is not with its owner
- Owner seems reluctant to allow interaction with pet
- Dog is on the other side of a fence
- Dog is sleeping
- Dog is eating
- Dog is feeling ill
- Dog is injured
- Dog is resting with her puppies
- Dog is playing with a toy or a bone
- Dog is growling or barking
- Dog is hiding or trying to make itself seem small
Even a familiar dog can sometimes cause injury when the unexpected occurs. Dogs crave routine and consistency. Often when a new person approaches, this can cause many dogs to feel nervous and apprehensive. For this reason, it is very important to provide socialization at an early age so that your pet will feel more at ease and less likely to act out in new situations.
How can I keep myself and my family safe if a dog is acting fearful or aggressive?
- Do not provoke the dog
- Disengage and move away slowly
- Do not make sudden movements
- Do not make loud or high-pitched noises as this can activate predator behavior
- Stay calm
- Break eye contact
- Do not approach a pet that is not wearing a leash
- Avoid interacting with a dog if the ears are pinned back or the tail is tucked between the legs
- Yawning can sometimes be related to fear and anxiety
Are some breeds more dangerous than other breeds?
To repeat, any dog can bite. Larger dogs tend to have higher reported percentages because they will cause more damage than smaller dogs. This does not mean, however, that small dogs cannot cause serious attacks as well. There is no breed predilection for aggression, although many breeds can get a bad reputation due to lack of preventative education, socialization, and improper handling. All dog owners need to be responsible for raising their pets to be happy and healthy members of the community.
A dog’s tendency to bite depends on these 5 factors:
- Heredity
- Early Experiences
- Socialization and Training
- Health (medical and behavioral)
- Victim behavior (the way the victim interacts with the pet)
After a bite occurs, it is important to make sure that all injuries are addressed properly, and appropriate medical attention is provided both to the involved people as well as the animals involved. Name, address, and rabies information for the pet should be provided and an animal control officer should be contacted.
The first step in preventing dog bites starts with you acknowledging that your dog is capable of biting. You should never say “my dog does not bite”. You do not know if a situation can cause your dog to bite a human or another animal. If your dog bites, it is not a reflection on you. You do not have to be defensive and risk a person being bit. We all have to be responsible pet owners and be considerate of other’s safety especially children and elderly.
If your pet bites someone or another animal, call your veterinarian or call Vetsavers Pet Hospital at 972-939-0900. Your first consultation with our veterinarian is free and we are open 7 days a week.
