Dog Bite Facts

Children make up 60% of all dog bites according to State Farm Insurance and the Insurance Information Institute. They go on to say a lot more about dog bites. Here is some of it.

1.Between 1/2 and 1 million dog bites are reported each year. There are even more that go unreported.

2. The National Centers fo Disease Control and Prevention estimates that half of all children 12 and younger will have been bitten by a dog.

3. Dog bites have increased by 37% in the last 10 years.

4. Dog bites cost society about 1 BILLION dollars each year.

5. The majority of dog bites to children occur on the face, neck, and head areas.

6. 65% of reported dog bites take place while the dog is being played with, fed, teased, abused, or seperated from another dog.

There are many things that children can do to prevent dog bites but the most improtant thing a parent can do is to NEVER leave any child and a dog alone together. Then teach children the following things.

1.Never pet a dog without asking the owner first.

2. Do not let your child stick there face in the dog's face. Have them hold out the back of their hand for the dog to smell first.

3. Have the child remain calm and quiet. Do not startle or frighten the dog.

4. They should be taught never to tease or harm a dog. Dog's do not learn from being hit. They should treat a dog like they would like to be treated.

5. Never disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies. This is when children are most likely to be bitten.

Finally, Spay and neuter your dog. They are much less likely to bite.