Dog Bite Statistics You Should Know

Each year, approximately 4.7 million people across the U.S. are bitten by dogs. And, on any given day, 1,000 dog bite victims are hurt badly enough to seek emergency medical care. Furthermore, 14,000 of these individuals require hospitalization as a result of their injuries. While dogs can be a great source of comfort and companionship, they can also cause serious harm when they turn vicious. Here are some of the most important facts from the latest dog bite statistics.

48 People Died Last Year from Dog Attacks

According to the latest dog attack statistics, in 2019, 48 people were killed by dogs in the U.S. This is the highest number of dog bite fatalities ever recorded in a single year. In addition, 70% of these victims were attacked by multiple dogs. And, more than half of the dogs had a previous history of biting.

Percentage of Dog Bite Victims Who Sustained Serious Injuries

The majority of dog bite victims do not develop serious conditions as a result of being attacked. However, 20% of victims (approximately 800,000 a year) require medical care that goes beyond basic first aid. 

In addition, about one out of every five victims develops an infection at the site of the wound. And, many of them become seriously ill from these infections, which are caused by bacteria from the dog’s mouth. 

Furthermore, about 27,000 people require reconstructive surgery as a result of a dog attack.

According to Statistics, Who is most likely to be bitten by a dog?

Historically, children have been the most common victims of dog bites. However, for the first time, dog bite statistics show more adults (32) than children (13) died as a result of dog attacks during 2019. In addition, children are more likely to sustain serious injuries when they are bitten.

Senior citizens comprise the second largest number of dog bite victims is senior citizens, followed by postal carriers. 

Visit our other post to learn more about what happens if a dog bites the postal carrier.

Most Dangerous K-9 Breeds According to Dog Bite Statistics

While some dog owners complain that Pit Bulls get a bad rap, the breed is still responsible for the majority of fatal dog attacks in the U.S. Last year, Pit Bulls were responsible for 85% of adult fatalities.  

Mixed breed dogs perpetrated the second most fatal attacks in 2019, followed by Rottweilers.   

Surprisingly, Pit Bulls have one of the weakest bite forces of all breeds, only 235 pounds per square inch (PSI). Rottweilers’ bite force is slightly greater at 328 PSI. In contrast, Kangal dogs have the strongest bite force, 743 PSI, of any breed.

Common Diseases Resulting from Dog Bites  

When a dog bites a human, bacteria from the saliva in the dog’s mouth can enter the wound and cause infection. This happens in approximately 20% of all dog bite cases. 

Here are some of the most common infections and diseases that can result from dog bites:

Rabies 

One of the most serious dog-related diseases, rabies is spread through the bite and saliva of an infected animal. 99% of rabies cases are caused by dogs. Therefore, if you are bitten by a dog and do not know whether the animal has been vaccinated against rabies, seek immediate medical treatment.  

Capnocytophaga 

This bacteria, which lives in the mouths of some people and animals, can spread through bites or scratches. Those with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable. 

Pasteurella 

This bacteria causes a painful, red infection at the site of the bite. For people with compromised immune systems, it can cause more serious diseases involving swollen glands, joint pain and swelling and difficulty moving.

MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) 

This serious staph infection is resistant to certain antibiotics. It can cause skin, lung, and urinary tract infections that can become life-threatening.

Tetanus 

This toxin can cause rigid paralysis, especially in deep bite wounds. Anyone who has suffered a serious dog bite, where the skin has been broken, should consult a healthcare professional right away to see if a tetanus shot is needed.

Experienced Dog Bite Lawyers Can Win You the Compensation You Deserve

If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog, contact us immediately. We will hold the owner of the dog responsible for these bites as the care, training, and supervision of these animals is the responsibility of the owner. We will fight to help you win the compensation you deserve.

Michigan dog bite law is complicated, but finding the right Michigan dog bite lawyer is simple.

Click the button below to fill out a quick form, or Call 1-800-CALL-SAM today for a free, remote no-obligation consultation from the safety of your home.