I got bit by a dog!

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Some alarming statistics from Dogbite.org:

• Approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the United States. Nearly 1 out of 5 bites become infected. In 2018, nearly 27,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery as a result of being bitten by dogs.
• In the year of 2018, the combination of pit bulls (26), rottweilers (2) and mastiff-type guard dogs and war dogs (4) — the types used to create “baiting” bull breeds and fighting breeds — accounted for 89% (32) of all dog bite-related fatalities.
• See this link for some more fascinating stats on Dog Bites, such as:
• Family dogs inflicted 72% (26) of dog bite fatalities in 2018; family pit bulls were responsible for 69% (18) of these deaths. Of the 26 deaths inflicted by pit bulls, 69% (18) involved killing a family or household member vs. 31% (8) non-family.

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Dog Bite Prevention Tips

Increasing your awareness can help reduce the risk of suffering from a dog bite. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, understanding a dog’s body language is one way we can prevent being bitten. A wagging tail or a crouching body doesn’t always mean that a dog is friendly. Whether it’s a family pet or a neighbor’s dog you see frequently, their body language can tell a lot about their state of mind.

A dog displaying aggressive behavior may be trying to make itself look more prominent and scarier as a defensive mechanism. An aggressive approach is clearly indicated by showing off teeth, growling, barking, and lunging while staring directly at what they think is an approaching threat. The fur on the dog’s back may stand, and their tail may also wag or stand straight up. If you continue to approach this type of dog, they are more likely to attack and bite you.

An anxious dog will do the opposite of an aggressive dog. This type of dog will show off body language that may make them seem timid or scared. An anxious dog may still feel like there is no other option but to bite if a threat comes too close. This type of dog may put their tail between their legs, flatten their ears back, and maybe even yawn. Anxious dogs may also try to run away or slowly walk away from what they think is a threat, and once they start to play defense, they will growl, snarl, or bite.

Take into consideration that you should avoid a dog showing any signs of aggression, anxiety, or fear. Pet owners have no guarantee that a dog will not bite someone, but you can do your best to read their body language and keep your distance when possible.