Dog bite statistics illustrate the reality behind the numerous incidents that take place every year. The data gives specific information on the type incidents, locations, victims, etc. From this data, steps can be made to further prevent serious injury from dog bites.

A reported 4.5 million Americans are injured by dog bites each year, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Not all of those bites are life threatening, as a matter of fact, only 800,000 seek medical attention for those bites; over half of those being children. Dog bite fatalities range from 10 to twenty people every year (“National Dog Bite Week”).

Children are the most vulnerable for injury from dog bites. The CDC found that children ages 5-9 suffered the highest rate of dog bites. Boys of this age were found to be more vulnerable than girls. Younger children, however, suffer more severe injuries. Two thirds of the bites found in this age group were in the head and neck region of the body. That is why the agency actively campaigns against leaving small children alone with any breed of dog (“National Dog Bite Week”).

The statistical data also reveals some very interesting information on the dog involved in bite incidents. In adults, men are more likely to be bit than women. Of the bites recorded every year, 2/3 are from dogs running loose, or without a leash. Eighty percent of bite incidents happen away from the owner’s property (“Dog Bite Statistics”). The same number of incidents involves dogs with which the injured are familiar (“Teaching Your Child”). Contrary to belief, mixed breeds are more likely to bite than pure breeds, and male dogs a year old to five years in age are more likely to bite than a female of any age.

The data show that abuse and neglect greatly affect the incidents of dog bites. Dogs that are restrained with a chain are three times more likely to bite than dogs that are not restrained in this way.

The insight given by dog bite statistics can hopefully help to prevent unnecessary bite injuries. Keeping small children away from dogs, adhering to leash laws, and reporting animal neglect are only a few things learned from the few statistics given here. Speak to your vet to find out more ways to ensure that your family and others are protected from dog bites.

Citations

“Dog Bite Statistics.” Online Lawyer Source. 11 Nov. 2007 .

< http://www.onlinelawyersource.com/personal_injury/dog-bite/statistics >

“National Dog Bite Week Prevention.” The Center for Disease Control. 11 Nov. 2007 .

< http://www.cdc. gov/ncipc/duip/biteprevention.htm >

“Teaching Your Child to Avoid Dog Bites.” The Humane Society of the United States . 11

Nov 2007. < http://www.hsus.org > Path: Pets; Pet Care; Dog Care; Stay Dog Bite; Teaching Your Child to Avoid Dog Bites.