Children and Facial Dog Bites

Risk Statistics

• Children ages 5 to 9 are at the highest risk for dog bite injuries, with boys being more likely victims than girls are. About half this number sustains facial injuries. The majority of dog bite incidents happen on the dog owner's property. More than three-quarters of victims are attacked by a dog belonging to a friend or family member. According to a nine-year CDC study, dog breeds involved in the highest number of fatal dog-bite incidents include pit bulls, rottweilers, German shepherds, huskies and wolf-dog hybrids.

Treatment

• Most facial dog bites require medical attention. If there is little to no bleeding, gently clean the injury with hydrogen peroxide and seek medical attention. In the case of serious damage or heavy bleeding, apply pressure with a clean cloth or towel to stop the bleeding and seek medical help immediately. Medical treatment may include antibiotics, rabies vaccination, stitches or reconstructive plastic surgery. Long-term consequences of a dog bite incident can include scarring, emotional distress, nightmares and fear of dogs.

What to Do Following a Dog Bite

• Medical treatment is the first priority in a facial dog bite. Try to identify the dog that bit the child and obtain contact and insurance information from the owner. In many cases, the dog owner is liable for medical expenses and other costs resulting from a dog bite incident. Photograph the wounds and identify any potential witnesses. Consider hiring a personal injury attorney specializing in dog bite law and decide whether you want to take the case to court or settle out of court.

Prevention for Parents and Children

• Never leave a child or baby unsupervised near a dog, even if you believe the dog would not bite the child. Teach your child never to approach a strange dog and not to run from or scream at a dog. If threatened by a dog, a child should avoid eye contact and keep still or back away slowly. If knocked down by a dog, the child should curl into a ball and protect her face and neck with her hands.

Prevention for Dog Owners

• Train your dog for acceptable behavior. You can do this yourself using resources such as books, DVDs or online tutorials, or you can seek the assistance of a professional trainer or animal behavior expert. Keep your dog current on all vaccines. Neutered and spayed dogs are less likely to attack than "intact" dogs. When choosing a dog for a family pet, consider a breed known for its gentleness with children, like a boxer. Wait until children are over age 10 to get a dog, if possible.