Dog Bite Safety Tips
Why should I be concerned about dog bites?
- Nearly 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year.
- The rate of dog bite-related injuries is highest for those ages 5 to 9 years.
- About 885,000 require medical attention for dog bite-related injuries.
- In 2012, more than 27,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery as a result of being bitten by dogs.
How can dog bites be prevented?
Any dog of any breed has the potential to bite. Dog bites are a largely preventable public health problem, see the following suggestions for protecting your family.
- Dogs with histories of aggression are not suitable for households with children.
- Spend time with a dog before buying or adopting it. Use caution when bringing a dog into a household with an infant or toddler.
- Spay/neuter your dog (this often reduces aggressive tendencies).
- Don’t play aggressive games with your dog (e.g. wrestling).
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