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Dog Bite Statistics

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Dog bite statistics illustrate the reality behind the millions of dog bites and attacks that happen every year in the United States. Although these stories may not be reported in the news every time they happen, severe dog bites and attacks have a large impact on families and pet owners. In understanding the numbers, you\'ll be able to see why states have enacted certain laws regarding to dogs and other pets in the home. 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 4.7 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 of those involved seek medical attention for their injuries bites

Dog bite fatalities range from 10 to twenty people every year

Over half of the 800,000 people who seek medical treatment for dog bite wounds are children. 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 suffer more severe injuries. Two thirds of the bites found in this age group were in the head and neck region of the body.
The CDC, along with many other animal activist groups, actively campaign to parents to educated them against leaving small children alone with any breed of dog

Of all dog bite incidents recorded every year, two-thirds occur due to dogs running loose, or without a leash. Eighty percent of bite incidents happen away from the owner's property

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

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

Dog attack victims in the US suffer over $1 billion in monetary losses every year from medical, legal and insurance costs

The number of dog bites has risen dramatically in the past 20 years, despite the fact that the number of dogs in the United States increased by only 2 percent

The vast majority of dogs (77 percent) that inflict injury belong to the victim's family or a friend

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. All dog bite studies show that despite how often dog bites occur, almost all dog bite injuries and death can be prevented with proper education and responsible dog ownership.