Introduction
Dog bites are a significant public health issue, with over 4.5 million dog bites occuring each year in the United States alone. Though often viewed as minor injuries, dog bites can cause severe trauma, disfigurement, emotional distress, and even death in extreme cases. Understanding where dog bites commonly occur on the human body and why can help promote bite prevention and appropriate medical treatment when bites do happen.
Where Dog Bites Occur
Dog bites most often occur on people’s extremities, such as their arms and legs. According to statistics, approximately 60-70% of dog bites affect the arms and hands. The remaining 30-40% occur on the legs and feet.
There are a few key reasons why the arms and legs tend to bear the brunt of dog bites. First, people often use their hands and arms to interact with dogs, such as when petting or playing. If the dog becomes overly excited or feels threatened, its mouth is already in close proximity to bite the nearest arm or hand.
Secondly, when dogs attack or chase people, the legs and feet are the parts closest to the dog. As a result, they receive the majority of bites during such incidents. The thick muscles and bones provide less protection than other areas like the abdomen.
Understanding that the extremities receive the most dog bites can help people take appropriate precautions when interacting with dogs. Keeping hands away from a dog’s mouth and not running from an aggressive dog are examples of steps that can reduce bite risk.
Why Extremities Are Most Affected
The extremities, including the hands, arms, legs and feet, are the parts of the body most frequently bitten by dogs. There are a few key reasons for this:
First, the limbs are the most exposed areas of the body. The torso and head are often better protected by clothing, but hands and feet especially are often left uncovered around dogs. This natural exposure makes them easy targets.
Additionally, people use their hands and feet to interact with dogs – to pet them, play with them, or potentially provoke them by accident. Reaching out to a dog puts these body parts directly in biting range. The hands and feet are simply the most accessible areas for a dog to snap at when provoked or playful.
The combination of exposure and active use of the extremities around dogs explains why arms, hands, legs and feet bear the brunt of canine bites. These body parts are more frequently bitten than the better-protected head and torso.
Bite Severity
Where a dog bites on the human body can greatly impact the severity of the wound. Bites that occur on the face, head, and neck tend to be the most severe and dangerous.
Facial and head wounds often require extensive medical treatment like stitches and plastic surgery. Bites in these sensitive areas also raise the likelihood of long-term physical and emotional trauma. Children bitten on the face may be permanently disfigured.
Neck bites are especially dangerous because of the major blood vessels and airways located there. Neck bites have the highest risk of hitting arteries or restricting breathing, which can quickly become life-threatening situations requiring emergency surgery.
So while the majority of dog bites happen on the extremities, bites on the head, face and neck are relatively uncommon but lead to the greatest injury and highest medical costs. Preventing any bites to these vulnerable areas is extremely important, especially for young children at highest risk.
Children vs. Adults
Dog bites occur more frequently in children than adults. According to a 2021 study published in the National Library of Medicine, 71.9% of pediatric patients who presented to the emergency department for dog bites required medical treatment, whereas only 51% of adult dog bite victims required treatment [1]. Children are also more likely to receive severe bites to the head and neck region. A 2016 study found that 50-60% of dog bites in children under 10 years old occur on the head, face, or neck, whereas only 20-30% of dog bites in adults occur in those regions [2]. The high proportion of bites to the head and neck in children can be attributed to their shorter stature – they are often at face-level with dogs. Additionally, children may not recognize warning signs before a dog attack and be unable to defend themselves.
Breed Differences
Research shows that some breeds are more prone to biting than others. According to the CDC, between 2005-2017, Pit Bulls were responsible for 66% of all fatal dog bites despite making up just 6.5% of the U.S. dog population. Rottweilers were responsible for 10% of fatal bites while German Shepherds accounted for 4.6% (CDC).
However, non-fatal bites often go unreported so breed data can be unreliable. Smaller dogs may bite more often but due to their size, these incidents are less likely to require hospital visits. Breed population sizes also impact bite statistics. Overall, larger, more powerful breeds are capable of doing more damage if they do bite (Colorado Injury Law).
While genetics may play a role, proper socialization and training at an early age can help curb aggressive tendencies. So no particular breed can be labeled as “dangerous” without considering other factors that impact behavior.
Prevention Tips
The best way to prevent dog bites is to understand dog behavior and take steps to avoid situations that can lead to biting. According to How to Avoid Dog Bites | The COVE, any dog is capable of biting, so it’s important to be cautious around all dogs, even ones you know well.
When approaching an unfamiliar dog, Dog Bite Prevention: Causes, Solutions & Signs of Danger recommends avoiding direct eye contact, which can be perceived as threatening. Let the dog approach you first rather than reaching your hand out to pet it. Look for signs the dog is uncomfortable, like a tucked tail or raised hackles, and back away if you notice them.
Proper socialization and training from a young age can help make dogs more comfortable around people and other animals. Expose puppies to a variety of sights, sounds, and experiences in a positive way. Ongoing reward-based training helps reinforce good manners and obedience. Consider professional training if your dog shows any aggressive tendencies.
Always supervise interactions between dogs and children. Teach kids how to gently pet dogs and watch for signs the dog is unhappy. Never leave babies or young children alone with any dog.
Leashing, containing, and properly identifying dogs can prevent opportunities for bites. When out in public, keep your dog leashed and avoid taking it to crowded areas where it may feel stressed or defensive.
What To Do After a Bite
If you or someone you know gets bitten by a dog, it’s important to take quick action to clean the wound and prevent infection. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the first step is to wash the bite with mild soap and warm water for at least 5 minutes to help remove dirt, debris, and saliva from the injury (1). Gently pat dry with a clean towel after washing.
The ASPCA recommends applying antibiotic ointment to help prevent infection, then covering the wound with sterile gauze or a clean cloth (1). It’s also a good idea to apply an ice pack wrapped in a towel to help reduce swelling and pain. Keep the wound elevated above the heart if possible.
Any dog bite that breaks the skin requires medical attention. Deep punctures, tears, or bites on the face, hands, or genitals can be especially problematic. Seek emergency care for severe bites that won’t stop bleeding, cause extreme pain, or damage nerves, muscles, bones, blood vessels, or other structures (2). Children, the elderly, those with chronic medical conditions or weakened immune systems may also require more urgent care.
Healthcare providers will clean and closely examine the bite, check your tetanus immunization status, prescribe antibiotics if needed, and determine if stitches or other treatment is necessary. Be sure to follow all doctor’s orders for wound care, medications, rechecks, and immunizations.
(1) https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/what-do-after-animal-attack
(2) https://www.vazirilaw.com/first-aid-for-dog-bites
Liability
Dog bites can lead to legal issues if the victim decides to pursue compensation for their injuries. According to the Insurance Information Institute, homeowners and renters insurance policies typically cover dog bite liability, with most policies providing $100,000 to $300,000 in liability coverage.
If a claim exceeds the policy limits, the dog owner could be held personally liable for damages. Some factors that determine liability include whether the dog has a history of aggression, if the owner was negligent in controlling their dog, and if there were any “beware of dog” signs posted on the property.
Liability laws vary by state. According to the dog bite law chart, some states follow the “one-bite rule” where owners are only liable if they knew the dog was dangerous. Other states have “strict liability” laws where owners are liable regardless of whether they knew the dog could bite.
To reduce liability risk, the III recommends taking precautions like leashing dogs in public, avoiding chaining dogs unattended, using muzzles if necessary, posting warning signs, and obtaining liability insurance.
Conclusion
The evidence is clear that a majority of dog bites occur on people’s hands and arms as they attempt to interact with dogs. Children, being nearer the height of dogs, are especially vulnerable to bites on the face as well. While any breed of dog may bite, certain breeds with stronger jaw muscles and guarding instincts tend to be implicated more often. However, with proper training and socialization, most dog bites can be prevented. If you are ever bitten, seek medical help immediately and notify the proper authorities. With caution and care, dogs and humans can coexist happily and safely.
The takeaway is to use extreme care when interacting with unfamiliar dogs. Supervise children closely, learn how to read dog body language, and do not encourage behaviors like jumping or nipping, even in play. Proper handling, training and socializing of dogs from puppyhood is key to reducing bites. While some risk may exist, that’s no reason to avoid the joys and benefits of dog companionship.