Children are the most common victims of dog bites. Each year, 4.5 million Americans are bitten but the attacks are preventable

Each year, 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs and specialists argue that many, if not all of these incidents, are preventable. A better education could help decrease the number of attacks and the financial burden brought about by dog bites.

Dogs are arguably the most popular pets according to a Gfk study. And while Latin America takes the leading role when it comes to dog ownership, the US is home to over 70 million dogs with almost 40% of households having at least one dog.

According to Euromonitor International, over 50% of American dogs are large breeds described as weighing over 50 pounds but the US is also fifth in the world when it comes to the number of small breeds owned.

But the high number of pets also translates into a high number of attacks. The American Veterinary Medical Association reports that each year, 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs and almost 1 in 5 people bitten by dogs require medical attention.

Every year, more than 800,000 Americans receive medical attention for dog bites and at least half of them are children. They are by far, the most common victims of dog bites and are far more likely to be severely injured.

Children are bitten when engaged in everyday activity and while playing with the family’s pet and according to the CDC dog bites were the 11th leading cause of nonfatal injury to children ages 1-4, 9th for ages 5-9 and 10th for ages 10-14 from 2003-2012. The American Humane Association reports that 66% of bites among children occur to the head and neck.

Senior citizens are second when it comes to being victims of dog attacks and mailmen come in third with UPS reporting for 2016 an estimated 6,755 attacks.

Tens of thousands of victims require reconstructive surgery after the attacks and in 2015; insurer companies reported an average of almost $40,000 as payment for dog bite claims.

Dog bites also accounted for one third of all homeowners’ liability claims costing nearly $570 million.

But these incidents and the related costs could be prevented, the Veterinary Association says through better information and education.

What owners can do

Dog owners should invest in training and properly socialising their pets. When adopting a puppy, the owner should plan out a socialisation calendar which allows the puppy to be exposed to other animals, individuals, environments, activities and objects that will be part of its new life.

Positive rewarding is key so that the puppy can experience the new environments without becoming fearful while aggressive behaviour should be discouraged.

When looking at the causes of dog attacks, veterinarians say that incidents were linked to heredity causes, early experiences of the animal, later socialisation and training, health and behavioural problems and also the victim’s behaviour.

So early socialisation and training the dog to follow basic commends is essential to keep everyone safe. Also, owners should not play aggressive games with their pets and they should provide an adequate veterinary care. Dogs have to have their vaccinations up to date and regular visits to the veterinary doctors also allows for early detection of illnesses that might make the dog more susceptible to aggression.

Also, when outside, dogs should be kept on a leash, and if owners know that their dogs have a habit of nipping, they should use soft muzzle or a head halter on walks.

What should children know

Children should be taught what an acceptable behaviour towards pets is.  When it comes to children being attacked by dogs, many of the incidents take place while children are trying to hug the dog, resulting in neck and face related injuries.

Pets should be played with gently, and they should not be approached if the owner is not present. Children should learn not to hit dogs or pull on their tails or ears.

Children should never try to take a dog’s toys or food or tease and startle the dog.

The community can also get involved by establishing rules about pet ownership and owner’s obligations.