The number of dog attacks has been increasing alongside the growing number of dog owners in the United States. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), there are currently nearly 90 million dogs living in U.S. households. As dog ownership has surged, so too has the number of people bitten each year. While the latest estimates aren’t precise, experts suggest that the number of bites has significantly risen from the estimated 4.5 million bites reported two decades ago.
In addition to the rise in bites, fatal dog attacks have more than doubled in the last decade, with an average of roughly 100 deaths per year since the pandemic, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Although it’s difficult to predict when a dog might bite, there are steps dog owners can take to prevent attacks.
“Almost all dog bites are preventable, and prevention begins with education,” said Dr. Sandra Faeh, president of the AVMA. “By learning about dog behavior and teaching kids how to safely interact with dogs, we can help protect both people and pets. Responsible pet ownership and respectful interactions are key to strengthening the human-animal bond and reducing the risk of injury.”
Why Do Dogs Bite?
Dogs typically bite in response to something in their environment. They may bite to protect something, such as their territory or offspring, or because they feel threatened, scared, or injured. Lori Teller, former AVMA president, explained that dogs may feel cornered in a stressful situation and use biting as a defense mechanism when they see no other way out. Dogs in pain or distress from illness may also bite.
Regular vet checkups are recommended by the AVMA to monitor a dog’s physical and behavioral health, which can help identify issues before they lead to aggressive behavior.
How to Prevent Dog Bites
Training and socialization are key to preventing dog bites. Owners should train puppies early on not to bite or nip. Small children are the most common victims of dog bites, often suffering serious injuries to the head and neck. Lori Teller advises parents to teach children how to safely interact with dogs, and never leave children unsupervised with pets, even those that are familiar.
For dogs that primarily interact with family members, the AVMA suggests gradually exposing them to new situations, like crowded areas or dog parks, rewarding good behavior, and ensuring dogs are always walked on a leash. Paying attention to changes in a dog’s body language can also help prevent potential aggression.
Addressing Fatal Dog Attacks
Fatal dog attacks have been on the rise, and while predicting an attack is difficult, certain themes emerge. Victoria Stilwell, a celebrity dog trainer and behavior expert, emphasizes the importance of understanding dog body language and teaching dogs to cope with human environments using positive reinforcement. This approach builds confidence in dogs while avoiding harsh training methods that may intimidate or harm them.
Even non-dog owners can take steps to stay safe. Always ask permission before petting a dog, and be mindful that not all dogs want to interact. Dr. Sandra Faeh concluded, “Dog bite prevention is a community effort, and all members of the community—pet owners and non-pet owners alike—can play a role in ensuring safe, positive interactions with dogs.”
By educating both dog owners and the wider community, it’s possible to reduce the risks of dog attacks and promote safer, more harmonious relationships between people and pets.