Introduction
Dog bites are a surprisingly common occurrence, with over 4.5 million Americans bitten by dogs each year according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While the vast majority of these bites are relatively minor, dog bites can sometimes cause serious injuries and, in rare cases, even death. This article will examine common misconceptions about dog bites, statistics on the likelihood and severity of bites by breed, and provide recommendations on dog bite prevention and treatment.
Define What Constitutes a Dog Bite
Dog bites can range from minor nips to severe maulings. According to the Canine Bite Levels chart published by the Provincial Court Judges’ Journal[1], dog bites are classified into six levels based on severity:
Level 1 – Dog is aggressive but makes no skin contact
Level 2 – Teeth touch the skin but do not puncture it
Level 3 – A single bite causing minor punctures or lacerations without tearing
Level 4 – Multiple bites with punctures and tears, possibly with severe bruising
Level 5 – Multiple bites with at least one bite puncturing deeper underlying tissue like tendons or bones
Level 6 – Attack resulting in death of a human
While lower level bites may seem minor, any dog that bites a person should be taken seriously as it can indicate aggressive tendencies. However, the highest levels of bites are the most dangerous and can cause severe injuries or death.
[1] Canine Bite Levels – Designed by Dr. Sophia Yin, DVM, MS. Provincial Court Judges’ Journal, Vol 24 No 2, Summer 2011. https://prckc.org/wp-content/uploads/Canine-Bite-Levels.pdf
Statistics on Dog Bites
According to the U.S. Dog Bite Statistics, there are approximately 4.5 million dog bites every year in the United States alone. On a global scale, the World Health Organization estimates that tens of millions of people worldwide suffer dog bites each year.
The majority of these bites are relatively minor and do not require medical attention. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 800,000 Americans seek medical care for dog bites annually – approximately 16,000 requiring hospitalization. Fatalities from dog bites are rare, with only 30-50 deaths per year in the US.
Children are the most common victims of serious injury from dog bites. The risk is highest for children ages 5 to 9 years old. Senior citizens are also vulnerable, with over 25% of fatal dog attacks afflicting adults over the age of 65. Postal workers, delivery drivers, utility workers, and others who work outdoor jobs involving frequent contact with unfamiliar dogs are also disproportionately affected.
Common Misconceptions
There are several common misconceptions related to dog bites that impact public perception.
One myth is that certain breeds, like pit bulls, are inherently more aggressive and prone to biting than other breeds [1]. In reality, a dog’s tendency to bite depends more on factors like training, socialization, health, and the owner’s care. No breed is inherently dangerous.
Another frequent assumption is that most dog bites are extremely severe and require hospitalization [2]. However, the majority of dog bites are relatively minor and do not require significant medical treatment. Severe bites only account for around 3-4% of dog bite injuries.
Understanding the facts can help dispel fears or biases people may have regarding dog bites and certain breeds. Most dogs pose little risk if properly supervised and cared for responsibly by their owners.
What Makes Dogs Bite?
There are several key factors that cause dogs to bite humans and other animals. Some of the most common include:
Fear
Dogs may bite out of fear, such as when they feel threatened by a stranger getting too close. Fear is one of the most common causes of aggression in dogs. As the AKC notes, “Most aggressive behavior from dogs is on some level rooted in fear” (Source). Fear biting often happens due to lack of proper socialization.
Territorial Behavior
Dogs are instinctively territorial animals and may bite to protect their territory, food, toys, bed, crate or other valued objects. Territorial biting often occurs when unfamiliar people or animals approach or encroach on the dog’s territory.
Pain
Dogs in pain from an injury or other condition may snap or bite if touched in an area that is sore. This is their way of communicating that they are hurt. Biting due to pain is particularly common in older arthritic dogs.
Maternal Instinct
Female dogs may bite when guarding their puppies from potential threats. Their maternal instinct drives them to protect their young.
Preventing Dog Bites
There are several steps that can be taken to prevent dog bites from happening:
Proper training and socialization – It’s important to properly train dogs from a young age and socialize them to be comfortable around people and other animals. Well-socialized dogs are less likely to bite. According to the ASPCA, “The main rule for effective socializing is to let your dog progress at their own pace and never force them to be around someone or something when they’re frightened or uncomfortable.” [1]
Supervising interactions with children – Children should always be supervised when interacting with dogs, even family pets. Children can sometimes behave in ways that provoke dogs to bite, such as pulling on ears or tails. Teaching children how to properly interact with dogs can help prevent bites. [2]
Identifying warning signs – Learning a dog’s subtle signs of fear, anxiety or aggression can help avoid situations that lead to biting. Warning signs include growling, baring teeth, stiffening, staring, and curling lips. If a dog displays these signals, interactions should stop immediately. Removing the dog from the situation often prevents an actual bite. [3]
Treating Dog Bites
For minor dog bites that don’t break the skin, first aid can be administered at home. According to Mount Sinai, you should start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent infection. Then, wash the bite area with mild soap and water. Apply an antibiotic ointment, like Neosporin, and cover with a sterile bandage or gauze (Mount Sinai).
For deeper bites that break the skin, seek immediate medical attention. Deep bites have a high risk of infection and may cause damage to underlying tendons, muscles or bone. At an urgent care or emergency room, the bite will be thoroughly cleaned and assessed. The doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics, like Augmentin, to prevent infection. They may also administer a tetanus shot or rabies vaccine if needed. Sutures may be required for deep puncture wounds or tears. Extensive injuries like nerve or tendon damage, fractures or severe bleeding may require surgery (WebMD).
Legal Liability
Dog owners can be held legally liable if their dog attacks or bites someone. Laws regarding dangerous dogs vary by state, but generally if a dog has displayed dangerous behavior in the past like aggressive biting, the owner is responsible for keeping people safe from their dog.
Most states have laws that make a dog owner legally responsible when their dog bites or injures someone. This is known as “strict liability” or “dog bite liability.” According to state courts, when a dog bites or attacks, the owner is liable – regardless of whether the owner was actually negligent or knew the dog was dangerous. This means victims can more easily recover compensation for their injuries. [1]
Some examples of owner responsibility under dog bite laws:
– Owners have a duty to know their dog’s behavior and tendencies. If a dog has shown aggression in the past like biting or chasing, the owner must take precautions to prevent more incidents.
– Owners must take reasonable steps to prevent dog attacks, like proper containment in yards, muzzling in public, and obedience training.
– Owners can be charged with crimes like negligence if their dog seriously injures or kills someone. The penalties depend on the state but can include fines, prison time, andlosing ownership of the dog.
– Owners are financially liable for victims’ medical bills, lost wages, pain and emotional suffering resulting from an attack.
Ultimately, dog owners have a legal duty to prevent their pet from harming others. Failure to properly train, confine, and control dangerous dogs can result in both civil and criminal liability.
The Media and Dog Bites
Media coverage often shapes public perception of dog bites and certain breeds of dogs. For example, one study found that “fatal dog attacks were 3.5 times as likely to involve pit bull-type dogs and 2.5 times as likely to involve Rottweilers” compared to other breeds, which “may be attributable to the prevalence/population of these breeds and their perceived use as guard dogs” (Montrose, 2020). However, media reporting on dog bites tends to be disproportionately focused on attacks by breeds perceived as aggressive, which can create a distorted public perception.
One issue with media reporting on dog bites is the tendency to identify the breed based on physical appearance rather than genetic testing. Visual identification of mixed-breed dogs in particular has been shown to be inaccurate, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (Hoffman, Harrison, Wolff & Westgarth, 2014). This can lead to certain breeds being overrepresented in bite statistics.
Additionally, the circumstances leading up to a bite are often not reported or investigated fully. Contextual factors like whether the dog was provoked, felt threatened, was abused, or was intact (not neutered) can influence bites but are rarely covered accurately (Patronek, Sacks & Delise, 2016). Without this context, it becomes easy for media coverage to encourage assumptions about certain breeds being inherently dangerous.
To provide more balanced coverage, media reports on dog bites should rely on scientific evidence about breed traits and risk factors, avoid making generalizations from isolated incidents, and include perspectives from animal behavior experts whenever possible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dog bites can range from minor to severe, but the majority are not life-threatening. While all dog bites should be taken seriously, proper training, socialization, and supervision of both dogs and children can go a long way in preventing bites. Teaching children safe behavior around dogs and providing dogs with positive outlets for their energy are also important. If a bite does occur, seeking prompt medical attention, especially for deep punctures or wounds on the face, is crucial to avoid infection. With sensible precautions and an understanding of dog body language, most dog bites can be avoided.