But it s clear that dog bites have been a serious health problem since at least the 1950 s. An estimated three million people a year are bit by dogs and a half million of these bites are considered serious enough to require medical attention, and approximately 20 attacks a year result in a fatality. Most evidence suggests that irresponsible owners are the cause of the problem rather than specific breeds, and that control of the dog bite problem involves solid education program as well as good legislation that places responsibility on the shoulders of dog owners. Dr. Hunthausen also says that children under the age of 12 are at the greatest risk of dog bites. This age group sustains approximately 60 percent of severe bite injuries and as high as 72 percent of the fatalities.
Males are one and a half to two times more likely to be bitten than a female.
While most bites from an unknown dog are on the extremities when family pets bite they often bite their victims on the face. That s likely because pet owners let their guard down when they are with their own animals and get too close. Two-thirds of dog bites are from animals under five years of age, so extra caution should be taken with young animals. So he just turned around and bit me even though he s my dog. Unfortunately, chances are good that a day will come that your child comes crying to you telling you they ve been bitten by an animal.