Veterinary Public Health

Dog Attacks

The medical cost for dog bites was estimated, in 1999, to be around $250 million annually in the nation. It is estimated that up to 50% of all Americans will be bitten by a dog or cat in their lifetime. Every 40 seconds, someone in the United States seeks medical attention for a dog bite–related injury.

The lower legs are most frequently injured in dog attacks, but face, neck, and scalp wounds are common sites for dog bites in young children. Children are at greater risk of injury, since many do not know how to behave around a dog. Children's small size and inability to fend off an attack put them at additional risk.

Dog bites account for about 75% of bite injuries treated in emergency rooms. The jaws of adult dogs can exert approximately 200 pounds per square inch, enough to perforate sheet metal, but the teeth generally are not sharp. Children and young adults are the most frequent victims of animal bites, and males are bitten more often than females.

In the United States more than half of dog bites occur at home and about one-third in a public place. Most biting dogs have owners and are not stray; the victim is often the owner or a friend of the owner. The breeds most frequently responsible for severe damage are pit bulls, Rottweilers, and German shepherds. In at least half the cases the attack involves an unrestrained dog on the owner’s property.

There are a variety of things that can be done to prevent dog bites.

Avoiding Dog Bites

Dog Bite Prevention English Spanish (Español)

Simple things you can do to prevent bites

Dog Bite Prevention Resources for Children

What To Do If You Are Bitten By A Dog

Stay Dog Bite Free! Links to six different sites on dog bite prevention

Dog Bite Prevention

Most bites are preventable (article)